Nigerian singer, Teni has revealed that she abstained from alcohol and did not smoke until 2021 when she decided to know what it feels like.
Teni disclosed this during her recent interview on the popular Zero Conditions Podcast, after she declined an offer for a drink from one of the hosts.
The host, taken aback, inquired if she had stopped drinking, to which Teni affirmed, explaining that it wasn’t challenging for her as she only began drinking in 2021.
During the discussion, Teni shared the backstory of why she started drinking. She revealed, “I began drinking in 2021. I’m a naturally adventurous person. I’ve been in this industry for six years without drinking or smoking. I started drinking for fun, and the first time was in Lagos.
“At home, I thought, ‘You guys are always getting drunk, what does it feel like? Let me just try it.’ So, I drank Henny, but I didn’t get drunk. I was waiting for it to happen, but it didn’t, so I just went to sleep. Everybody was like, ‘Aaah, Teni.'”
Teni further explained that even during her time at the University of Georgia in the United States, where there was considerable pressure to drink, she chose to abstain.
She emphasized her commitment to doing only what she wanted to do, clarifying that in videos and skits where she is seen holding a cup, it is typically filled with juice or water.
“I didn’t drink while I was in school. Do you know what school I went to? The University of Georgia, it’s a football school, and there’s a lot of pressure to drink, but I didn’t. I only ever do what I want to do. In all the videos and skits where I hold a cup, it’s usually juice or water,” the singer added.
Watch the video below:
This revelation comes in the context of Teni’s health journey, particularly her diagnosis with a life-threatening throat infection in July 2023, which temporarily led to voice loss.