We had the good fortune of connecting with TeeSàbíí and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi TeeSàbíí, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me, both risk and failure are necessary for growth. Every big decision I’ve made—whether it was moving to another country solo, stepping into unfamiliar creative spaces, or finally putting my music out there independently—has come with some level of risk. And each time, the takeaway is that staying in my comfort zone and trying to play it safe would not have gotten me where I wanted to go.

Taking risks throughout my life and career has pushed me to evolve as a person and as a creative, and it has shown me that fear shouldn’t stop you from sharing yourself or your work with others. Fear should really catapult you into challenging yourself. The way I see it, whether I’m experimenting musically, networking with new people, publishing my work, or managing my career independently, even if each risk doesn’t have an outcome I planned for, I can learn and build from it. Which is always a win in my eyes.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of my ability to be unapologetically myself in my music. Each project is a journey of self-discovery, and I’m excited that I was able to share my first ever single, diaNthem. This song kind of embodies my vision of the unity and celebration of the Black diaspora, but in a fun, upbeat way. It also represents the genesis of my growth as an artist, being perfectly imperfect, and it’s unbelievable seeing listeners connect with it. At the end of the day I want my music to be able to build connections, encourage conversations, and most of all inspire other people to celebrate who they are, take up space, and be fearless in their expression.

While it definitely hasn’t been easy getting to where I am today (even if where I am is still a small, emerging artist), I’ve learned that all the ups and downs, challenges, and halts in your journey are a part of the building blocks for your outcome. And rather than look at these things as reasons to give up and not move forward, I’ve really had to teach myself that I can’t make progress or get to the other side without experiencing hardship. So now I view the challenges and setbacks as just practice for the artist I’m becoming.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not from Nashville, or even Atlanta, so I can’t say I know all the best spots in the city. But when I visited TN, the experience I had at Bag Lady’s was incredible! Even though I don’t eat meat, they were still super accommodating. I’ve also heard a lot of great things about Slim + Husky’s pizza, and I definitely plan to check it out next time. When I go back, I’d love to go to the Country Hall of Fame as well and take in more of the city’s music history.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and influences that have shaped me, but first, I have to give credit to my close friends and family, both back home and here in Atlanta. As a kid, my parents surrounded me with music, culture, and love, even when they didn’t fully understand my creative path. And the inspiration, encouragement, and support I receive now from my friends and family, big or small, have kept me grounded and driven.

I also want to shout out the amazing creatives I’ve met throughout my journey, from Ireland all the way to California. The artists, producers, directors, photographers, etc. that I’ve connected with have inspired me, pushed me, and reminded me that I’m not alone in this. Seeing other Black creatives (especially!) carve their own lanes instilled in me the confidence to do the same.

Lastly, I have to acknowledge the power of music itself. The musicians and genres I grew up on—everything from fuji and afrobeats to jazz, funk, hip-hop, R&B, house, soul, etc.—have played a huge role in shaping my sound and vision. Every song I’ve ever loved, every beat that’s moved me, has contributed to the artist I’m becoming.

Website: https://teesabii.world/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teesabii

Twitter: https://x.com/TEESABIII

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/teesabii

Facebook: https://facebook.com/teesabii

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@teesàbíí

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@teesabii

https://linktr.ee/teesabii

Stream diaNthem here: https://ffm.to/dianthem

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.