Tehn Diamond released a single, ‘Lead the way’, recently and I found it befitting to ask the man when he’s going to give us a compilation project. For over 2 years now, fans have been anticipating the publishing of ‘The Perfect Tehn’ album, in vain. Do not despair, something’s cooking. I engaged the rapper in a question and answer exercise to learn more about what he’s on to.
First, You’ve hinted dropping a project called ‘A Few Good Poems’. What is it all about, in brief?
Should we FORGET about The Perfect Tehn, then?
‘A few good poems’ is a random collection of love songs, feel good songs and my usual social commentary, creatively for me, a breath of fresh air. And yes, you can forget about ‘The Perfect Tehn’ for now. I’ve never been one to rush my process or put projects out without having a clear goal. ‘A few good poems’ speaks more to where I am as a person, both personally and creatively. So that’s what we’re on for now.
Which side of Tehn Diamond are you going to reveal to the market with this one; Fans/Bloggers etc love to make a distinction of who you are behind the mic(‘The Year Before Rap/SOTG3’ Tehn and ‘The Tehn of old’, a softer, more emotional mellow Tehn) ?
Are there 2 sides of Tehn to begin with?
Well that’s the thing, it’s you bloggers and listeners who have all these different versions of Tehn. I’m Tehn; One person living and loving through the multitude of experiences and emotions that life throws at us. You can expect to find the same Tehn I always aim to be, the one true to the moment that I’m in. And that’s my job really, to define my truth and express as best as I can through the tools I have . . . my heart, my soul, my art and my pen. The rest is for the people to decide.
If I were to make any distinction within myself, it would be between Tehn the Artist and Tehn the Entrepreneur. But even then, it’s all just a great big exercise in creation for me. My business ideas flow from my musical ideas and sometimes the other way around.
Most people, myself included believe you can do well musically on the regional playing field. Are you looking to step onto these waters with your upcoming project(s).
Most certainly, especially in recent times I’m feeling as if I’ve done as much as I can in Zim. I feel like I’ve given a great deal. To date there’s 120+ songs that I’ve made or been a part of circulating freely, I’ve performed up and down the country and still don’t have a great deal to show for it. So I think it’s time to make a really concerted push for the regional and continental markets. That’s the goal behind ‘A few good poems’; to expand my market base and begin to export the vibe. That’s the entire idea behind Tisu Ngoda Dzacho & TNDSZN to begin to export what I believe to be the “black and gold standard” of creative output from Zimbabwe.
Lastly, you’re very well known for Frank Oceaning your fans. We are tired of waiting for ‘The perfect Tehn’. Please do not emotionally abuse us with the release information of the A Few Good Poems too. When should we expect it?
‘A few good poems’ will be out on 30/9/2016.
Bonus question; You’re considered one of the most respected hip hop artists in Zimbabwe both on the artist side and your work ethic. What is that one thing you can tell artists on the come up on how to get mileage for their craft locally?
Fall in love with rejection. Learn how to get back up when rejection hits. Above all else, be both strategic and tactical in all you do. Plan and execute. Build bridges and doors. Google is your friend. Feed your mind. Write daily. Record every other day. Work work work and LOVE IT.
Tip : It’s now so much easier to know what Tehn and his brands have to offer. Visit his website http://www.tnd.co.zw for more information. Who knows, he might release ‘The Perfect Tehn ‘ unannounced!
Until then, stay amazing!
Bars 263 