Teni Zaccheaus JR., born on June 27, better known by his stage name Teezee (stylized as TeeZee) is an English-Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is one-third of the musical group DRB LasGidi with BOJ and Fresh L. He currently serves as the co-president of NATIVE Records, and co-founder of The NATIVE Networks (subsidiaries include: The Native, and NATIVE Records). He is best known as a pioneer of alté, and credited for the crossover success of Odumodublvck single “Declan Rice”.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Teni Zaccheaus JR. |
| Date of Birth: | June 27 |
| Place of Birth: | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Occupation: | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, and Record Executive |
| Brother: | Iretidayo Zaccheaus |
| Net Worth: | $500,000 |
| Partner: | Grace Ladoja |
Early Life and Education
Teniola Zaccheaus JR. was born on June 27, in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised between London, England, and Lagos, Nigeria. In year 9 (JSS 3), Teni began making music while still schooling at Malvern College, in Malvern, Worcestershire, England, with BOJ and Fresh L.
In conversation with The Crack Magazine author Rob Dozier on 9 March 2022, he credited his father, Teni Zaccheaus Sr., as he was responsible for his music education while growing up. In the conversation, he said: “His father ran nightclubs in Lagos during his childhood, which meant that he had to be on top of what was hot on the radio”.
Career
Teezee joined the group DRB LasGidi in 2007 with his school friends BOJ and Fresh L. He also went by Teniola Zacchaeus, at the early stage of his career, and he is fondly called the Fresh Prince of LasGidi coined from his debut studio album Fresh Prince of LasGidi in 2013.
He is regarded as one of Nigeria’s first generations of self-publishing artists, alongside BOJ and Fresh L, to take advantage of the internet services by sharing their music on YouTube, and SoundCloud.
On March 3, 2020, Eventful CEO Yewande Zaccheaus appointed Teezee as Marketing Executive and Creative Consultant for Eventful and Harbour Point Event Centre, both in Lagos. On July 30, 2021, he appeared on Skepta sophomore extended play All In on track 2 “Peace of Mind” with American rapper Kid Cudi.
On November 11, 2021, he released “BADI” featuring Davido as the lead single off his debut studio album Arrested by Love, with the accompanying music video inspired by ’00s Nollywood classics.
On December 17, 2021, he released “NEW GOVERNMENT” featuring Prettyboy D-O and Kofi Mole, as the second lead single off Arrested by Love. On February 4, 2022, he released “NOK’D” featuring Deto Black, as the third single off Arrested by Love, with the accompanying music video directed by Chukwuka Nwobi and Sanjo Omosa.
On February 18, 2022, he released his first solo studio album titled Arrested by Love, with guest appearances from Davido, Prettyboy D-O, Kofi Mole, Midas the Jagaban, DETO BLACK, Pa Salieu, Lancey Foux, BACKROAD GEE, and Teni.
On September 9, 2022, Jameson Irish Whiskey unveiled a limited edition bottle to celebrate his album Arrested by Love. On October 6, 2023, following the release of Odumodublvck’s fifth mixtape studio album EZIOKWU, Teezee served as the co-exclusive producer alongside Odumodu. In 2017, Teezee signed a brand ambassador deal with Jameson Irish Whiskey in Nigeria.
Awards and recognitions
In 2019, Chude Jideonwo listed Teezee as one of his 150 most interesting people in the culture. In 2021, YNaija listed Teezee as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Media.
On April 12, 2023, Teezee was named Executive of the Week by TurnTable, following the crossover success of Odumodublvck into the mainstream, as the first Nigerian rapper to have two top songs on the weekly TurnTable Top Hip-Hop/Rap Songs with “Picanto” and “Declan Rice” breaking into TurnTable Official Nigeria Top 100 chart.
Teezee Net worth
Teezee has an estimated net worth of $500,000. Teezee is an English-Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive.
Personal Life
Teezee is the Nigerian fashion entrepreneur Iretidayo Zaccheaus’ brother. Teezee and British music executive Grace Ladoja are partners, in 2021 they announced the birth of their first child.