article

TeeMirror’s Ride From Campus Fame to Global Name

by TurnTable Charts

Jul 17, 2025, 9:05:11 AM

Prince Temiloluwa Bayode, professionally known as TeeMirror (/ˌtiːˈmɪrə/), is an award-winning international Afrobeats artiste making his mark through the rich, genre-bending sounds of Afrofusion. With a growing global presence, he has performed across major cities in the United Kingdom, Qatar, Egypt, and several African nations, bringing a magnetic blend of rhythm, storytelling, and stage charisma to every audience.

TeeMirror’s musical journey began in childhood, growing up in a sonically vibrant household filled with Afrobeat, traditional African music, and timeless legends like Fela Kuti, Ebenezer Obey, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, and Michael Jackson. Inspired by his father’s record collection, he developed an early passion for music that would only deepen over the years.

Starting with performances at local events in Lagos, Kwara, and school shows, TeeMirror quickly built a reputation for his soulful vocals and electrifying stage presence. His breakout moment came during his university days at Unilorin, where he became a campus sensation with his hit single “Tanke Sir”. The track led to his early rise and status as the most popular student artiste in the region at the time.

Today, TeeMirror continues to evolve musically. With recent singles like “Stress Away,” “Kogbagidi,” and the viral “Hustle” featuring Martinsfeelz, he blends introspective lyricism with infectious grooves that resonate deeply with fans, especially across platforms like TikTok and streaming services.

As TeeMirror sets his sights on broader horizons, his music remains rooted in authenticity, cultural pride, and the desire to connect through sound.

TTC: TeeMirror, for those just discovering you, can you introduce yourself and share the meaning behind your name?  

TeeMirror: I’m Temiloluwa Oladapo Bayode popularly called TeeMirror with an alias ‘Aperire’ which means (One you call and beget Good things). My name reflects a deep connection to my roots; “Tee” is from Temiloluwa, and “Mirror” signifies being a reflection of the moments around me. I was born around the time my grandpa passed away, so I see myself as a reflection of his good legacy. Merging it together as one full name, TeeMirror embodies the essence of reflecting personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the moments that shape me.

TTC: When you think about music, what comes to mind first? What keeps you grounded and driven in both creating and promoting your sound?  

TeeMirror: Music to me is a powerful storytelling tool. It’s about connecting, inspiring and uniting people. Growing up in a musically inclined family and being influenced by legends like Fela Kuti, Marvin Gaye, and Bob Marley keeps me grounded. My passion for sharing authentic African sounds and cultural narratives pushes me every day, reminding me why I do this and fueling my drive to stay true to my roots while evolving as an artiste. I call my sound “MOMENTS-INSPIRED”.

TTC: You draw inspiration from a variety of artistes. Who are they and how have their journeys shaped your own musical path? 

TeeMirror: I’ve been inspired by legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Bob Marley, who used music as a tool for social change and cultural expression. Contemporary artistes like 9ice, Brymo, OLAMIDE, Femi and Seun Kuti and Adekunle Gold also influence me. They’ve shown that blending genres and storytelling can create something powerful. Their journeys teach me that music can be a force for positive change, and I aim to let that inspire my own path.

TTC: Like many artistes, your love for music started at home and deepened in the church. How did those early influences help you discover your sound?  

TeeMirror: Growing up in a musically inclined family, I was surrounded by African beats, guitars and traditional sounds. Sitting beside my father’s lap listening to him play some strings on his guitar, my mum’s influence in the church choir and family gatherings sparked my passion. These early experiences helped me understand melody, rhythm, and storytelling, shaping my sound to be rooted in African culture but also versatile enough to reach the world. Ultimately, in 2009, I began professionally by recording my first song out of a relationship breakup-experience

TTC: Your breakout moment came with “Tanke Sir” back in your school days. How did that song shift your perspective or commitment to pursuing music seriously? Was that the turning point for you? 

TeeMirror: “Tanke Sir” was definitely a pivotal moment for me. It was a song about the transportation issues at my university and it gained popularity beyond my school, bringing me into the spotlight. That song not only made me more confident but also showed me the power of my voice to speak on real-life issues. But an even more transformative period for me was when Daily2K reached millions of fans on all streaming platforms with that track, and it became the most-watched video on Africa Magic in 2022. That made me realize how far my music could go and truly cemented my commitment to this career. 

TTC: You have a dedicated fanbase known as the Reflecktors. How do you maintain that connection and in what ways does their support fuel your creativity?  

TeeMirror: My fans, the Reflecktors, are my biggest inspiration. They promote and celebrate the culture of my music and I stay connected through social media, live performances, and personal engagement. Their unwavering support keeps me motivated because I see my music making an impact in their lives. Their energy and loyalty push me to keep innovating and creating music that resonates deeply. They are present on all social media platforms and are very strong on WhatsApp channels too as they are closely knitted with my musical journey.

TTC: Tracks like “Hustle” and “Kogbagidi” really stand out in your catalogue. When did those songs come to life and what do they represent in your growth so far?  

TeeMirror: “Hustle” featuring Martinsfeelz and “Kogbagidi” are recent releases that reflect my journey of resilience and celebration of success. “Hustle” embodies the hard work and perseverance I’ve put in as an artiste. Special thanks to my younger brother, Martinsfeelz for the great verse he delivered on the record. Meanwhile for “Kogbagidi”, it talks about taking things easy while on the journey of hustle as everyone has different races to run and have their timing which means we can’t always look at other’s clocks to run. My last body of work which was an E.P titled “What works works: What doesn’t doesn’t” is also a body of work with so much storytelling from what happened to others that I experienced and what I also faced. It made maturing in my sound easier while staying true to my African roots and sharing stories of perseverance and triumph.

TTC: Walk us through your music-making process. How do your songs typically come together from idea to finished track?  

TeeMirror: My process usually starts with a personal story or an experience I want to share. I then work on melodies and lyrics. I often draw inspiration from my cultural background and current life situations. I collaborate with producers, experimenting until we find the right sound. Mostly, I get the vibe, drop it in my voicenote, and it becomes a song later on. Shoutouts to KezBeatz, we’ve made magic overtime. Once I have the vibe, every song is performed in my head with all emotions behind the song. In a nutshell, for me, it's all about storytelling, passion, and staying true to who I am.

TTC: If you could recommend just one of your songs to someone who’s never heard your work before, which one would it be and why?  

TeeMirror: I’d recommend “Kogbagidi” because the song resonates with a lot of people. In the UK when I went for the Kogbagidi Tour, whites and different mixed races enjoyed the tempo and could easily pick words from the chorus, “I DEY”. It’s a song that suggests that regardless of the situation or what’s available or unavailable, I am enough and will remain relevant. It’s actually a much louder introduction to my style.

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