Today we’d like to introduce you to Titi LoKei.
Titi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
To begin with, music is my LIFE! I started off dancing. At the age of 5, I performed at a talent show at the park district, in front of the whole community. During my love for dancing and music, I became a song writer but continued to dance as a background dancer for local artist until I was about 15. That is when I got tired of being in the background and decided to bring my song writing skills into actual recordings, as a rapper. I recorded my first song at 15 and have been making music since then. Because I started as a dancer, performing is my strong point. I love a big stage!!! I can truly call myself a MC. I continued to record and perform throughout my time at the University of Illinois. It was during my college years and I met so many people and gained many opportunities. I opened up and performed along side Chicago artist such as Jeremih, Shawnna, Twister, and more. Every time I perform, I get off stage and there is someone who tells me they enjoyed my show and would like to book me for something else. I interned at WGCI radio station in Chicago. That is where I met even more Djs, Artists, and producers. I collaborated with many people and started to really own my craft. I am also a proud Nigerian, and incorporate Afro beat sounds into my music as well. This opened up more doors and gave me the opportunity to perform in Nigeria and collaborate with big time artist internationally. Through my journey in music, I have realized that many women in the industry have it DIFFICULT. My goal is to start at Label where its solely based on Talent and not popularity or favors. When passion meets purpose, no one can stop you!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. There have been many nights I have cried myself to sleep wondering why I haven’t “blown up” in the industry. When you have the talent, the work ethic, and the drive, sometimes you can be really hard on yourself. In addition, the music industry is own by majority men and I must say, some of those men don’t make it easy for us women. Especially us women who have made a firm decision not to sell their soul for a man to take control, in a negative way. To explain, I have experienced men who have tried to gain sexual favors for advancement. I refuse every time and it hurts every time. It saddens me that some men can’t look at a woman for her talent and work ethic, but instead only for their personal pleasures. I don’t even want to repeat some of the negative comments I have heard from men trying to belittle me just because I am a woman. I thank God for confidence and self-esteem but I know every woman is not built like me. Some women really get torn apart by some of the men int he industry. I want every woman out there to know, “Never take no for an answer”. If one door closes please know that God has another one that will open. Never settle, and never sell yourself short. Confidence is all you need to succeed! Never let anyone dim your light.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Titi loKei – what should we know?
I always say the 1 thing that sets me apart from others is my Work Ethic. I work non stop on my craft because I want longevity in the music industry. I never take no for answer, and I keep going no matter what. What keeps me going is my passion and my purpose. I know that when I become successful, I am able to help women after I become successful. I am taking one for the team! Yes, I am a rapper, songwriter, dancer, actress and all-around performer but my heart is in the music. I don’t do it for the money like most people, I do it for the love. That is what I am most proud of, the Love!
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I feel like God withheld certain things from me as a child so that when I got older, I could truly understand and appreciate the blessings. Every hard time growing up, from losing our home, being broke, heartbroken, losing friends and family, all of that was just to give me thick skin and see life from a different angle. This has helped me and will continue to help me grow. #Growth
Pricing:
- Sweetest Revenge EP – It can be streamed for free or purchased, on any music outlet for 9.99
- AfroInfused.com – My African inspired clothing line for men women and children
- @Tomuti – My Nigerian cookbook also on Amazon. 19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iLokei.com
- Email: lokeimusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamlokei
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilokei
- Twitter: www.facebook.com/iamlokei
- Other: www.afroinfused.com
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