Recently we were privileged to run into Gospel recording Artist, Tiena, so we took the opportunity to ask him for an interview. He was kind enough to oblige with enthusiasm. What a good man!
Here's how the interview went.

rayscorner: It's so nice to have you here sir, kindly tell us about the name Tiena, is it your birth name?

Tiena: Thank you very much for having me. It's an honour. My name is Tiena Kenneth Egbegi. As an artist I go by my name Tiena and yes it is my actual birth name given by my parents. It's officially on my birth certificate and all my documents and credentials. People have asked me if it is Italian or Ghanaian. LOL. It's an Ijaw or Izon name, from Bayelsa State where I hail from, and it means "an answered prayer".

rayscorner: How long have you been into music?

Tiena: Professionally 11years. That was when I started doing music a professional environment and getting paid for services I rendered in music. I could say from as early as age 8, but then everyone would be a musician from childhood. Lol.

rayscorner: In the time that you have been into music, can you share some lessons learnt with us?

Tiena: I'll share four major industry lessons I have learnt over the years.
Networking
Every person you meet is a key to another door. Value relationships, and anything you do, do well. That's how recommendations come. That's how your circle keeps expanding. 
Learning Experience
Each platform prepares you for the next, so you are never as naive as you were the last project you did. There is something to learn from everyone. Your skills are enhanced and you learn team work.
Exposure
Travels, direct mentorship. You are able to learn and draw directly from great talents. And your world view expands as you go to different parts of the world and meet different people.
Perseverance. 
You will learn to go through the process, be unnoticed, work your way up. You will learn to be tolerant, and understand how it is like to be broke. You will also be blessed and eventually learn how to manage your resources.

rayscorner: From your Point Of View. how foes Nigerian Music compare with Foreign music?

Tiena: Today I can say I am proud of how far Nigerian music has come. Respect to everyone who has made this happen, from the artists, the musicians, producers, managers, record labels, and the consumers, starting from home listeners to foreign ones. We have come a long way. My generation of musicians grew up learning how to do music with foreign standards and materials. We scored songs produced in ways we may not relate with. They were not tailored with us in mind. We did not have all the sophisticated and technical paraphernalia to recreate what we were listening to and what we considered as the standard then. No industry, no structure. But look at where we are now. The world is looking at us and dancing to our tunes. We are original, proud and content to be us. The sweetest part is that we are not holding back, nor are we afraid to share with the world. It keeps getting better.

rayscorner: Who are those artist that influenced your style of music

Tiena: I have never had a straight answer to this question even when I try to imagine it. I grew up listening to a lot of artists. Some were my father's old records or that of our music loving neighbour. So I have had all sorts in my head with none in particular to hold on to. However I personally have liked Byron Cage and listen to him a lot, still I sound nothing like him and our music has little or nothing in common. Different local and foreign music icons have robbed off on me in their own ways in bits. I never really held on to any as a style model for myself.

rayscorner: Let's talk about song writing, what is your approach to song writing?

Tiena: Song writing inspiration comes for me in diverse ways. It has never been one rigid pattern. I get inspired by scriptures and life in general. It could be thoughts in my head. Sometimes the words drop in my heart and I know it's a song. Sometimes it's a tune forming in my head and I know it's a song. A lot of the time the lyrics and tune come in bits and pieces. Sometimes I have to brainstorm and look for inspiration to finish a song. There are times when it comes to me in my sleep. I wake up and write it down and record it with my phone. Sometimes it comes during worship or message time in church. These things can make you look crazy in public sometimes. Lol. But that is the life we are called to. Let me also add that my acoustic guitar has also been a loyal songwriting friend. There are times when I sit with my guitar and write a complete song too in one sitting.

rayscorner: Are you currently signed to any label or have you been in time past.

Tiena: No. I have never been.

rayscorner: If No, would you like to be signed or do you prefer being an independent Artist

Tiena: However God would have it. I believe in the guidance of The Holy Spirit. He will lead me. I personally would not mind as long as it is with the right kind of partner. Why not. The Bible says one will chase a thousand while two will put ten thousand to flight. Together we achieve more. Team work. However, I am not in a hurry, my life is a journey and I am taking it one day at a time, discovering me, learning and growing in the process. I am content. I am open to what God brings my way.

rayscorner: So... Whats the title of the first song you wrote and when was this written?

Tiena: Ah! Lol this one is a bit embarrassing because it takes me back to my teenage years where I am now like.."so this is what I wrote?" Lol. I wrote a song titled "Be My Strength" a country ballad. Sang it in church as a duet with my friend as a special song. She is also now an artist too, doing well. That was one of the few times the song saw the light if day. Then I later sang it with my guitar under duress in the University. It was the only song I could think of and play easily on the spot. Fortunately it came out so well and beautiful and was obviously well received. Who knows it might still see the light again, a better version of course.

rayscorner: How does being a pro BGV help with your production?

Tiena: To start with, I've seen elements of some artists I've worked with unconsciously drop while producing my song. People tell me this sounds like PITA, that sounds Like Mercy Chinwo, that adlib sounds like Niniola...and so on. Truth is, some bits and style elements picked up from artists and other BGV's and even instrumentalists will sometimes rub off unconsciously on my work. 
Secondly, working on different kinds of projects with different Artists and bands has beefed up my versatility, so I can hardly be boxed in my approach, except I choose too be. So this wide range of experience gained as a Pro BGV has been of immense benefit.
Thirdly, being a pro background singer makes me know exactly what I want to hear in my head, all the chords, the harmonies, all the dynamics and enunciations. So it is easier to translate it both to the producer and the other BGVs on my project, if it's something I won't necessarily be doing myself on my project. So that part is always easy for the producers and also for my song composition and arrangement.

rayscorner: Do you have a favorite producer? Who and why?

Tiena: No. I absolutely do not. Granted, a lot of Nigerian producers are quite versatile in styles and genres, yet there would always be a signature factor. So as an artist you do not want to limit yourself to only one person's idea or perspective, seeing how music is fast evolving more than ever before.  Nevertheless, I really like and respect Sarz, KelP, Cobhams Asuquo, Olaitan Dada Rotimi Keys and more.

rayscorner: What is that worship song for you that just ushers you into Gods presence old or new?

Tiena: There are too many to pick one. It all depends on what song does it for me at that particular time.
Song by Uche Agu
We give you glory Lord as we honour you(2x) You are wonderful, You are worthy oh Lord(2x)
This song still gets me every time. It's easy to love up on God, with this sing.

rayscorner: For you what are those criteria that make a good song?

Tiena: Big question. A one-word-answer would be:
Balance; the right amount of whatever a song needs. Understanding the genre, and then adding creativity to it makes it special. Creativity is intelligence having fun. Good music has the right amount of sense and rhythm. Balance in everything from sound mix, tones, and quality in lyrics make a song good. A song is balanced when there is nothing left to add and nothing left to remove.
Lyrically speaking, the question is; what do you want to say? It must be said as simple as possible, yet carry depts of meaning without saying too much. If your audience cannot understand, then what are you communicating? 
As a singer, tone quality and of course good ears are vital. For me the later is the most important factor. I consider the ability to hear well, decipher and distinguish sound a highly priced asset for any musician or stakeholder in the industry. With that you know what a song needs.

rayscorner: Are you currently working on any projects ?  Mind sharing

Tiena: Yes. I am currently working on my EP as a major project among other things. That is what's next on the agenda. However, anything can happen. I anticipate God interrupting my plans. Lol. Another single may just be rolled out. Still on the interim, live sessions, acoustic versions and more should also be expected. There may be some collaborations too on the EP project.

rayscorner: Lastly, what would be your Advice for people who are aspiring to follow in your footsteps asper a career in music
Tiena: Be consistent. I have never seen a consistent person who didn't grow on a particular thing. You'd be surprised at how far you've come when you take a moment to look back. Everyone you see doing something great today has given consistent time and effort even when it wasn't making sense at the beginning. Remember, God rewards faithfulness. If you're not reigning then you must be in training.

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