Christened Ejeh
Alexander Terry but popularly known as Terry Apala in the music circle, is respected
for his facile adoption of Apala music genre which originated from the South-West
of Nigeria to be precise. Genre-defying Terry blends traditional Apala music
with a fusion of contemporary hip hop without much ado. A culmination of a new
sound which has been crafted over the years since he started out in 2007.
An Isoko boy fluently churning out his lyrics in Yoruba language, a far cry
from his native Isoko mother tongue. It’s quite surprising but Terry Apala does
this effortlessly as he squeals his way into our consciousness having featured
in more than ten songs by both established and up and coming acts since he
busted on the scene professionally in the year 2016.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Equipped with a
highly energetic stage performance and a commercially sensible image that added
realness to the kind of music he does. Young and wild football loving Terry
Apala started out on the streets of Mushin with a boy band known as the
Mezosopranos before the lure of a solo career broke them apart. The streets
first had a taste of his unique style in “Show Your Logo” a popular street
anthem loved by various supporters of the popular English Premier League clubs.
He later dropped his first single as a solo act titled “Apala Rhythm” in the
year 2012 with little or no fanfare but the love from the streets of Mushin
where he enjoys a cult-following has kept him going, he kept aligning himself
to major shows happening around his hood and anywhere an opportunity lies for
him to showcase his skills. It was his showmanship that attracted him to
showbiz maestro Nelson Jack and he wasted no time signing him to his fledging
music outfit in the early months of the year 2016.
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
Terry Apala is a breath of fresh air in today’s crowded music scene, he had everyone eating from his palms with his debut single “Champagne Shower” released in 2016 with seven other singles released so far including a new one with his role model and flagship bearer of Apala Music “Haruna Ishola” who is credited for revitalizing a genre that has become a preserve of the old folks with his "Soyoyo" album released in 2000 . Terry is inspiring a new movement while building a viral local presence thus generating a renewed interest in Apala music.
Terry Apala is a breath of fresh air in today’s crowded music scene, he had everyone eating from his palms with his debut single “Champagne Shower” released in 2016 with seven other singles released so far including a new one with his role model and flagship bearer of Apala Music “Haruna Ishola” who is credited for revitalizing a genre that has become a preserve of the old folks with his "Soyoyo" album released in 2000 . Terry is inspiring a new movement while building a viral local presence thus generating a renewed interest in Apala music.
Mainstream success is around the corner for Terry Apala as
many an established and up and coming acts throng to his studio seeking an
infectious and catchy chorus which comes easily to him. His repertoire of
collaborations include: “Turn Up” by popular disk jockey Jimmy Jatt alongside
Flavour. Other engaging singles are the ones he did with top acts like
Reminisce, Falz, Illbliss, Dremo, Dammy Krane, Omawunmi, Saeon and a host of
others.
In his words, “if you are good at what you are doing, people will surely want you on their materials; it’s just the grace of God not by my power.”
His album tentatively titled “Apala On The Beat” is set for official release come 2018.
In his words, “if you are good at what you are doing, people will surely want you on their materials; it’s just the grace of God not by my power.”
His album tentatively titled “Apala On The Beat” is set for official release come 2018.
Words: Shola “Straw” Adebakin
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