Mannie Tseayo is not just a musician; she is a creative force redefining the boundaries of Nigerian music. Blending her roots in Afrobeats and R&B with sharp, introspective rap, the Abuja-raised artist invites listeners into a universe built on honesty, self-discovery, and the beauty of duality.
In a recent interview, Mannie opened up about her creative evolution, her unique connection with her audience, and the cultural movement she’s building.
From Safe Space to Intentional Expression
For many, music starts as a hobby, but for Mannie, it was a sanctuary. Recording at just 8 years old, she tells us how her relationship with music has matured alongside her:
“When I started, music was simply a safe space… Now it’s evolved into something intentional. It’s not just expression anymore: it’s storytelling, healing, and building worlds that reflect who I am and where I come from.”
This intentionality is what drives her genre-fluid sound, famously explored in her project, Grey: The Midtone, where she constantly challenges the notion of a ‘black-and-white world.’
The Power of Vulnerability
Mannie’s art is deeply personal, shaped by her own experiences, including childhood anxiety. She shared how revisiting those memories became a catalyst for her creative honesty:
“My childhood anxiety shaped my art deeply… Re-visiting those memories through creativity and meditation helped me see them differently. It made my art more honest, more emotional, and more intentional.”
This raw vulnerability is why her audience connects so strongly with her. She recounted a moment that validated the power of her music:
“There was a show where someone in the crowd screamed my lyrics with tears in their eyes. After the performance, they told me the music helped them through a dark period. Moments like that remind me how powerful this connection is. It’s surreal watching vulnerability turn into strength for someone else.”
Two Sides of the Same Coin: On Stage vs. Off Stage
When it comes to balancing her amplified stage persona with her real-life self, Mannie sees them not as opposites, but as “just different versions of the same person.”
“On stage, I’m bold, expressive, and amplified. Off stage, I’m quiet, organized, introspective, and very much in tune with my routines.”
Her key to staying grounded, motivated, and productive? Routine, movement, and a desire for legacy. She relies on taking walks, listening to music, meditating, and a constant drive to build momentum and learn.
The Manniefest: Building a Cultural Universe
Beyond the songs, Mannie Tseayo is building a complete universe, one she describes as an invitation to self-discovery. The message she hopes people take from her art is one of acceptance:
“That they’re allowed to be layered. Soft and powerful. Confident and uncertain… I hope people feel the freedom to embrace every side of themselves – even the parts they’ve been taught to hide.”
This philosophy is the cornerstone of her most ambitious project yet: The Manniefest.
“Right now, I’m working on The Manniefest — my merch and tour experience. It’s more than just shows: it’s a full cultural moment. I’m creating visuals, fashion elements, and storytelling that reflect my world and my evolution as an artist.”
The Manniefest is set to be the most immersive experience she has ever created, aiming to bring people deep into the aesthetics, the energy, and the powerful message of Mannie Tseayo’s art.
Keep Up With Mannie!
Mannie Tseayo connects with her audience through Honesty, refusing to hide the “messiness or the beauty” of her experience. As she continues to evolve, incorporating her skills in visual direction and her distinct Tiv heritage, she remains a compelling artist to watch.
What is your favorite track from Mannie Tseayo? Let us know in the comments!
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