In our latest Custodian Conversation, we sit with a quietly brilliant mind shaping the contours of today’s most resonant sounds—Tejiri Akpoghene: Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and creative architect behind culture-shifting records like “Wait For U” by Future, Tems, and Drake.
Tejiri’s story isn’t the usual linear climb—it’s textured. Woven from the rhythm of his Lagos upbringing, layered with detours through Miami and L.A., and grounded by a deep emotional reverence for music as language, ritual, and memory. The sound he creates is intentional, soulful, and spiritual—anchored in lived experience and an expansive global gaze.
While many assume he no longer lives in Nigeria, the truth is more nuanced. His practice takes him across continents—building with artists, sketching sonic blueprints, and immersing himself in the pulse of shifting music cultures. Yet, Lagos is his axis. “The food alone—egg, fish, chicken—it just hits different,” he laughs. It’s not just about taste. It’s about memory, grounding, and a return to self.
Influenced by the genius of Pharrell Williams, Tejiri crafts music as both architecture and emotion. But behind the console is another dimension: a builder and systems thinker. Alongside his older brother and longtime collaborator, he co-founded Elevensonics—a sound-first artist development ecosystem—and Jegotechnologies, a tech-driven platform designed to solve real-world problems from the continent outward.
In this conversation, we explore the core of his artistry, his philosophy on rest as resistance, the sacred nature of talent development, and his long-view vision for reshaping Africa’s creative future—gracefully, intentionally, and with heart.
The First Spark
Music Custodian: You’ve carved a unique path across music, tech, and creative direction. But let’s rewind to what sparked your journey into music production and songwriting
Tejiri: I’ll start by saying I’m grateful I made the decision early on to pursue music, even though I still can’t fully explain why I chose it. I was just 14 and still in secondary school at Grace High School when I decided this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Funny enough, when I was much younger, I didn’t even enjoy listening to music. It always felt odd to me—people sitting there, focused on sounds coming from a speaker or Walkman. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. But that started to change during our school’s morning assembly. There was this guy who used to play the keyboard, and I got curious. I remember walking up to him a few times, asking if he could show me how it worked, but he always said no.
Watching someone make beats on a Yamaha keyboard sparked something in me—I knew I had to figure it out. Around the same time, my schoolmates were rapping, and I thought maybe I could make beats and sell them. My older brother got me an early version of FL Studio, and the first time I heard that 808 clap, everything clicked. What started as a hustle quickly became a calling. I realized it wasn’t about money—it was about making music that felt real.
Finding His Sound: The Role of Influence
Music Custodian: What were your earliest sonic influences growing up, and how have they shaped the way you produce today?
Tejiri: If I had to describe how music happened for me, I’d say it felt like one of those unexpected love stories—you know, the kind where you meet someone and deep down, your subconscious already knows they’re the love of your life, but your mind still tries to resist it. That’s how it was for me in the beginning. From the moment I got into music, I felt this unexplainable connection—like something in me just knew this was going to be for life.
Speaking of sonic influences, I grew up in a house where my dad always played a lot of ’70s and ’80s classics. So I was exposed early on to the sounds of Quincy Jones, George Benson, Chaka Khan, and others. That era shaped my ears. Later on, I discovered Timbaland—and his approach to drums, bounce, and his overall brand left a huge impression on me. He stood out in how he built sound and identity.
Then there’s Pharrell. For me, Pharrell represents more than just music—he embodies artistry, personality, and a calm, intentional energy. The way a lot of artists see Jay-Z as a blueprint, Pharrell holds that kind of weight for me. There’s a reason he’s still relevant in 2025. I hope one day I get to sit with him for just five minutes and pick his brain—because I truly believe the mind is the man.
I remember reading Timbaland’s book once and thinking, I wish this were a Pharrell book. But there was this one part where Timbaland recalled a conversation with Pharrell, where Pharrell said he knew at 14 that music was what he wanted to do. That hit me deeply because I felt the same way at that age. It made me realize I wasn’t alone in that knowing, and it gave me even more reason to trust my journey.
Music Custodian: Looking back now, was there a moment you realized that sound would be your life’s calling, not just a skill, but a language through which you wanted to change the world?
Tejiri: I started learning music production at 14, long before YouTube tutorials were a thing, so it was a lot of trial and error. One defining moment came when my dad asked what I wanted to be in front of a guest, expecting the usual “chartered accountant” answer. But I looked him in the eye and said, “I want to be a music producer.” The disappointment was instant, but I meant every word.
Years later, I read a quote in Timbaland’s book where Pharrell said he knew at 14 that music was his path—and that resonated deeply with me. I’ve never really had a Plan B. Since that moment, anytime someone asked if I was sure about this path, my answer has always been a confident yes. I’ve stayed committed to it, and I think that kind of mindset—whether you call it faith, instinct, or something spiritual—is something I’ve always been grateful for.
Sometimes I wonder where my conviction came from, but I believe it was a divine moment—a quiet nudge from God. Since then, everything has unfolded step by step. I don’t compare my journey to anyone else’s; I just do my part and trust God with the rest.
Collaboration & Growth
Music Custodian: From collaborating with artists like Tems and Future to eventually winning a Grammy for ‘Wait For U,’ how did your creative journey evolve across continents and cultures?
Tejiri: Honestly, it all comes down to collaboration and having a solid team. If I were doing everything on my own, I probably wouldn’t have been able to connect with certain people or work on the kind of projects I’ve been fortunate to be part of. There’s only so much you can achieve when you’re the only one pushing, but when others are speaking on your behalf—entering rooms you might not have access to because of distance or circumstance—it changes everything.
I’ve been blessed to have an amazing team around me. My brother and I have been doing business together since we were kids. He’s not just my brother, he’s also my partner and business manager—and he’s the one doing a lot of the heavy lifting behind the scenes. So much of what people see isn’t just me; it’s the result of a collective effort.
At different stages in my journey, I’ve had incredible people around me, and I always try not to take the credit alone. I’ve always been open to receiving help, and I truly believe that the right people show up when they’re meant to—whether in the form of friendships or the company you keep. What matters is growing with them and building in harmony.
A lot of my journey has come down to meaningful relationships and being intentional about connection. My work with Tems, for instance, began with a simple DM and evolved through shared vision and the right support. I’m deeply grateful for the people around me—none of this would’ve happened without them.
Grammy Moment: The Magic Behind “Wait For U”
Music Custodian: “Wait For U” was a global moment. What was your creative input on that record, and what did it feel like watching it receive such monumental recognition?
Tejiri: The way Wait For U came to life is quite an interesting journey. It all started with the track Higher, which I originally produced for Tems on her For Broken Ears EP. That song ended up resonating with a lot of people and has been sampled across multiple platforms. Sampling isn’t new anymore—once you’ve produced or have writing credits on a song, and it’s sampled in another record, you automatically hold a significant share in it.
Out of all the times Higher has been sampled, Wait For U turned out to be the biggest one. That single opened up so many doors—some of which are still opening to this day—and I’m incredibly grateful for how far it’s taken me.
The backstory is kind of funny now. Future’s team had reached out initially, and I remember forwarding the message to Tems’ manager. He told me to ignore it, thinking it was probably a scam, so I didn’t pay much attention. Weeks passed, and just before the song was about to drop, we finally got on a proper call with Future’s camp. That’s when everything aligned, and I got to connect with ATL Jacob, Future’s producer.
What was wild was realizing that both of us were going through different kinds of heartbreak at that time—he was dealing with a breakup, and I was in a very interesting relationship phase myself. But music became this unexpected bridge between our worlds. It’s crazy how you can connect with people you’ve never met, across borders, just through the emotions embedded in your art.
Honestly, one of the biggest lessons for me in all of this is from my brother. He always encouraged me to pour whatever I was feeling—especially the emotional stuff—into my music. And looking back, if I hadn’t done that, Higher probably wouldn’t exist, and by extension, neither would Wait For U.
So yeah, I’m just really thankful I listened. Moments like that remind you of the power of music and the importance of trusting your gut.
Industry Recognition
Music Custodian: Being named a Grammy Next Gen Producer Ambassador in 2023 is no small feat. What does that role mean to you, and how are you using it to impact the next generation of creators?
Tejiri: First of all, I have to say it’s a huge privilege to be named a GRAMMY Next Gen Producer Ambassador. For me, the most powerful part of that recognition is simply the message it sends—that it’s possible. I know there are many talented people out there doing what I do, and even more who may aspire to be in my position. But the truth is, not everyone would feel comfortable walking in these shoes—and that’s okay.
Titles like this, especially when they carry the name GRAMMY, remind you that you’re doing something meaningful. I’ve always told my brother that my Grammy win wasn’t just for me—it was for my people, the ones who’ve been grinding, believing, and putting in the work. It’s a way to show that the dream is real and within reach.
Once you can truly accept that it’s possible, you unlock a whole new mindset. And that’s exactly what I carry forward in my work now. My journey has naturally led me into artist development, and over time, I realized that this is the essence of what A&Rs do. Whether by intention or instinct, I’ve been on that path—nurturing talent, guiding vision, and helping artists grow into themselves.
I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can offer a talent isn’t just skill—it’s belief. One artist I work with in Australia shared how much her confidence and creativity grew just from our sessions. That reminded me: if I can help someone believe in themselves a little more, then I’m doing something right.
Fame, Faith & Fulfillment
Music Custodian: How do you stay grounded while navigating an industry that’s constantly shifting around fame and accolades?
Tejiri: There’s something that’s stayed with me since the Grammy win. I remember meeting a gospel artist shortly after, and the first thing he said to me was, “With all these achievements, and you still dey humble?” At that moment, I wasn’t quite sure how to take it—was it a compliment or a subtle jab? I sat with that statement for a few weeks, turning it over in my mind.
I didn’t get into music for fame or money—I came in to create, to help, and to build with purpose. Humility can be rare in this industry, but it’s something I hold onto. For me, success isn’t in the awards—it’s in the impact. If I’ve helped a few people grow or believe in themselves, then I’ve done something meaningful. At the end of the day, I just want to stay grounded, grow in love and wisdom, and keep showing up with heart.
The Art of Collaboration: Ego-Free Spaces
Music Custodian: You’ve worked across different genres and regions. How do you approach collaboration when working with artists who have distinct sonic identities?
Tejiri: I’ll start by quoting something Pharrell once said that stuck with me: “The best collaborator is the one who allows everyone’s ego to shine in the room.” That line has shaped the way I approach every session. My goal, regardless of who I’m working with or how experienced they are, is always to bring out the best in that person—to make sure they feel seen, heard, and understood.
Take my session with Lucky Daye, for example. Before we made any music, we went back, talking about his childhood, sharing stories, and just being present. We even played basketball with my brother. It had nothing to do with music at first, but everything to do with comfort and connection. Because at the end of the day, people might forget what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
For me, collaboration starts long before the music. Sometimes it’s as simple as sharing plantain chips in the studio—those little moments build trust and spark real connection. I’ve learned that when you lead with empathy and conversation, the art flows more naturally. The best sessions often begin with being human first.
Choosing the Right Collaborations
Music Custodian: What are you most drawn to when choosing the talents you work with? What makes a collaboration meaningful to you?
Tejiri: For me, it’s always about the soul first. I’m drawn to collaborations that go beyond just making music for the sake of it—connections that feel human, where it’s not just straight to business as usual. I value working with people who show up as themselves, people who lead with emotion and sincerity.
There’s one artist who embodies that—AJII. I believe he was one of the runner-ups or winners of America’s Got Talent in either 2023 or 2024. He’d been on my radar for a while, and interestingly, it was my dad who gave me the final push to work with him. That collaboration stood out to me because I could immediately tell AJII was deeply in tune with his emotions. And for me, that’s everything.
When an artist is emotionally present, they naturally channel that energy into their music, and that’s the kind of music the world connects with. Music, at its core, is emotion. Once people feel it, once it resonates, that’s when the magic happens.
This might sound strange, but over time, I’ve developed a sensitivity for spotting emotionally aware people, sometimes just by looking at a photo or watching a short video clip. I’m not talking about how they pose or present themselves, but the energy they give off. I can often tell whether someone is collaborative in spirit, or if they’re the type who only wants their ideas to dominate in the creative process. And truthfully, I try to avoid the latter.
It’s never just about the music itself—it’s about the human behind it. That’s how I choose who I want to work with. Whether it’s artists like Dami Oniru, Tolani, or Qing Madi, the common thread is always that of emotional authenticity. There are so many incredibly talented people out there, but for me, it’s not just about talent. It’s about the soul.
Building With Purpose
Music Custodian: Let’s talk about Elevensonics and Jegotechnologies. What inspired the vision behind these ventures?
Tejiri: My brother and I have always been deeply involved in each other’s ventures, and Elevensonics is one of the most meaningful projects we’ve built together. There are many products and ideas in development that we haven’t even revealed yet, but the core of Elevensonics has always been rooted in something intentional: the belief that music, as a frequency, has the power to heal.
That understanding is what inspired us to start the venture. We wanted to be part of shaping the sound and energy that goes out into the world today. One of the biggest things I’ve come to realize is that a lot of creatives—whether they’re just starting out or already on their journey—are simply looking for guidance. And to me, guidance is really about offering clarity and showing people a path to fully realize their creative vision.
So with Elevensonics, that’s what we’ve committed to—helping talents develop and define their sound. It’s something we’ve done with artists like Tems and others, and we’re now expanding it on a larger scale. We also launched a sub-initiative called DIY Musicians, which is designed to empower artists to create independently, teaching them how to produce, record, mix, and master their music. It’s all under the Elevensonics umbrella, and in the coming months, we’ll be rolling out even more visible distinctions between these arms of the brand.
On the other hand, there’s Jegotechnologies, which came from a deeply personal place. It was born out of tragedy—after a close family friend lost his life in an accident during a heavy rainfall. There was no light on the highway, no emergency response, and he bled out before help could arrive. That moment happened just a week before I met Tems, and it left a lasting mark on us.
That loss became the catalyst for Jegotechnologies, a startup founded by my brother, where I serve as a silent co-founder. On our website, the first thing you’ll probably notice is an image of a large, futuristic vehicle. That concept represents our original vision: an autonomous, mobile health service unit that could respond to accidents in real-time, bridging the gap in emergency response.
With Jegotech, we’ve evolved to provide clean, mobile hybrid inverter systems—something inspired by growing up in Nigeria with unreliable power. Our studio now runs fully on a Jegotech system. Whether it’s through Jegotech or Elevensonics, everything we do is rooted in love, harmony, and purpose—and it’s been fulfilling to see real impact through both tech and talent development.
Bridging the Gap
Music Custodian: There’s often a gap between talent and structure. How do you envision these companies changing the narrative for emerging African artists?
Tejiri: I believe anything that works consistently is backed by a solid system, and that’s the foundation of Elevensonics. We created a clear, intentional process that guides each talent through a tailored development journey, helping them grow creatively and personally. It’s about more than shaping sound—it’s about building confidence, purpose, and long-term success, one artist at a time.
Music Custodian: What’s something you’ve unlearned about success in the music industry?
Tejiri: Personally—and I think a lot of people can relate to this—I used to believe that once I achieved a particular milestone, or worked with a certain artist, then I’d have made it. That would be the moment everything felt complete. But over time, I’ve come to understand that there is no final destination. It’s all a journey.
I had to unlearn the habit of postponing my happiness, thinking “I’ll be happy when this happens.” I’ve since realized that true happiness isn’t found in an achievement; it’s a mindset. I’m learning to be happy in the now, not because something has happened or is about to happen, but simply because I am. Of course, accomplishments are affirmations that you’re on the right path, and they bring joy and encouragement—but they’re not the source of lasting happiness.
Another big shift for me was unlearning the “grind” mentality. You know, that idea that you have to lose sleep, cut off from loved ones, or constantly deprive yourself just to be seen as hardworking. I used to skip out on rest or ignore calls from my parents just because I was “busy.” But now, I’ve come to value balance. Proper rest has helped me become more creative, more present, and honestly, more kind to myself and to others. It’s no surprise Lagos can feel tense—sometimes it’s just because people are tired. We’re all running on fumes, and it shows. That’s why I now protect my rest, embrace gratitude, and stay grounded. I’ve learned to remain humble, yes—but never foolish. And most importantly, I no longer postpone joy.
What’s Next for Tejiri
Music Custodian: Are there any upcoming collaborations or personal projects you’re particularly excited about?
Tejiri: Yeah, there are quite a few upcoming releases I’m looking forward to. I can’t reveal too many names just yet, but once they drop, it’ll be exciting—and of course, it’ll come with more work, which I welcome.
One project I can speak about is with one of my longest collaborators, DJNotorious. We’ve been building something special together, and we have a project titled “Return to Love” slated for release before the end of the year. I’m looking forward to that one in particular. As for the other songs and projects I’ve contributed to from a production standpoint, I’m just genuinely excited to see how people connect with them once they’re out in the world.
Music Custodian: If your next body of work or project had a title, what would it be and why?
Tejiri: It would be “Return to Love.” That title holds deep meaning for me—it represents a personal journey of coming back to the original reason I chose to pursue music in the first place. It’s about rediscovering that pure love for the craft, but also returning to self-love, embracing a healthier mindset, and living with more ease, even in the face of daily pressures.
It’s a reminder to take care of myself emotionally and mentally, and to realign with the values that first inspired me. A friend once said that music from the ’80s and ’90s had a special kind of soul because you could feel the genuine love behind it. Artists made music not just to sell records, but because they truly cared about what they were creating. That sentiment stuck with me. So with “Return to Love,” I want to create and share something that feels honest, something I genuinely love, while weaving in the sonic influences and experiences I’ve picked up along the way.
Music Custodian: What legacy are you hoping to build, not just as a producer but as a founder, collaborator, and curator of sound?
Tejiri: I aspire to leave behind a legacy rooted in love, peace, and meaningful impact—something in the spirit of what Quincy Jones has built over the years. For me, success isn’t just about achievements; it’s about living a full, purpose-driven life while staying true to who I am.
I want to accomplish great things without losing myself in the process, without making enemies or becoming someone difficult to work with. I believe you can still move the needle, inspire people, and create lasting change while being kind, grounded, and respectful. You don’t have to compromise your values to make a mark. At the core of it all, I believe if you truly desire something, believe in it, and understand that you’re deserving of it, then it’s already within reach. That’s the kind of mindset I hope to pass on through my work and my journey.
As our conversation with Tejiri Akpoghene draws to a close, one thing becomes crystal clear—his story is a rich symphony of purpose, passion, and presence. From his Lagos roots to his global influence, from soulful soundscapes to tech-powered solutions, Tejiri moves with a rare kind of intentionality that reminds us why music is more than just sound—it’s soul work, and sometimes, it’s the stress relief we didn’t know we needed.
While we eagerly anticipate the arrival of his upcoming project, Return to Love—a sonic homecoming back to the heart of why it all began, we know the best is yet to come. But until then, we’re holding space for the sounds that shaped him.
To mark the moment, we had Tejiri curate a special edition of our Guest Custodian Gems playlist, featuring some of his personal favorites. It’s a soulful glimpse into the sounds that move him. Plug in, vibe out, and let the music do what it does best.
