Formerly known as Queen P, broke her silence about her split from Willy Paul’s record label, Saldido International Records, and her decision to rebrand herself. In a candid interview, Telani shared the reasons behind her departure and her vision for her music career moving forward.
Telani’s journey in the music industry began well before her association with Saldido. She first made a name for herself under a different moniker, producing a diverse range of music that resonated with her unique style. However, in November 2021, she signed with Willy Paul’s Saldido International Records, marking a significant milestone in her career. Despite the excitement of joining a major label, Telani revealed that she struggled with adapting to a new musical direction that was quite different from her original sound.
In the interview, Telani candidly expressed her discomfort with the musical shift imposed by the label. “I want to be known as Telani… to take that as my brand name forever,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to her original style. Her music, which blends Afropop, dancehall, and various other influences, is central to her identity as an artist. The need to stay true to her musical roots and personal brand drove her to make the decision to rebrand herself as Telani.
Additionally, Telani, the daughter of renowned Mugiithi musician Mike Rua, cited her education as another key factor in her departure from Saldido. She explained that balancing her studies with her music career became increasingly challenging, and her family supported her decision to step away from the label. This choice allowed her to focus on her academic pursuits while still nurturing her passion for music.
Despite her departure, Telani spoke highly of her time at Saldido and her working relationship with Willy Paul. She acknowledged the positive aspects of her tenure, including valuable skills she gained, such as beat-making. “Willy Paul’s work ethic is commendable, and my experience with him was positive,” she remarked. Telani refuted any claims of negative experiences, even as she acknowledged the controversies surrounding Willy Paul. Her openness to future collaborations with him speaks to the respect and appreciation she holds for his professionalism.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Telani is enthusiastic about blending her education with her musical career. Her goal is to bring her distinct sound back into the limelight and continue evolving as an artist. The rebranding to Telani represents more than just a name change; it symbolizes her dedication to authenticity and her vision for her future in music.
In conclusion, Telani’s departure from Saldido International Records and her decision to rebrand herself reflect a deep commitment to her personal and professional growth. As she balances her education with her music career, fans can look forward to a renewed focus on her original sound and an exciting future for this talented artist.
