We were lucky to catch up with Temitayo Ibitoye recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Temitayo, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a transformative journey, much like building muscle at the gym. In my early teenage years, I dreaded photos because I felt unattractive. I would tear up any picture with my face on it until one day, I decided to start keeping them as time stamps to document events.
I began writing names, dates, and details on the back of each photo. This simple shift in habit changed my mindset and gave me the courage to preserve memories rather than destroy them.
One day, a girl I had a crush on saw some of my pictures and was genuinely thrilled, complimenting my appearance. At first, I thought she was just being kind, but soon I realized she meant it. That moment was a revelation—nothing had changed physically, but everything had changed mentally. I felt like the Denzel Washington among my friends and became the one to initiate taking pictures. This experience taught me that self-esteem starts from within.
Another crucial aspect of building my confidence has been focusing on others and sharing my knowledge. As a music producer and sound engineer, mentoring aspiring creatives and imparting my insights has been immensely rewarding. Seeing others value and benefit from what I share not only boosts my confidence but also reaffirms my abilities. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” This quote perfectly encapsulates my experience—each act of helping others has, in turn, helped me grow and build my confidence.
Finally, I recognize the power of words in building self-esteem. I am mindful of what I say to myself, especially when I feel disappointed. I acknowledge when I haven’t performed optimally, but I also affirm my worth and capabilities. This practice of positive self-talk has been instrumental in maintaining and building my self-esteem.
Self-esteem is an ongoing journey, a skill that must be nurtured and developed over time. Through these experiences and habits, I have cultivated a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence that continues to grow.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey in the music industry started at a very young age. I was deeply fascinated by how twelve musical notes could create such amazing melodies, chords, and rhythms. With no formal music institutions available at the time, I learned to play instruments by ear. The excitement of being able to replicate what I heard drove me to master the drums and keys.
Eager to create my own pieces rather than just replicating others’ work, I ventured into music production. My first encounter with a music software was with Cakewalk 9, the ultimate Digital Audio Workstation at the time. This journey led to my first hit song, “Adara,” with Sasha P in 2006, marking the beginning of a successful career filled with numerous collaborations and hit projects.
As one of the pioneers of the Afrobeats genre, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Davido, 2face, Dbanj, and Tiwa Savage. One of the most thrilling aspects of my work is the unrestricted creativity it offers. Music in Nigeria is a powerful tool, and being able to shape minds, develop culture, and influence narratives with it is incredibly humbling.
In 2008, I founded Tee-Y Mix Productions, a production company that has crafted sonic identities for top brands and used the power of music and sound design to amplify brand messages and campaigns. My career has taken me across Nigeria and other parts of Africa, where I’ve discovered and nurtured amazing talents like Iyanya, Chike, and Chidinma Ekile, contributing to their success stories.
Recently, I’ve been immersed in thrilling music collaborations with some truly exceptional artists. In March of this year, I released a six-track EP titled “Road Trip” with the incredibly talented Beekay. This project highlights a signature blend of intricate rhythms, captivating melodies, and profound lyrical content, making it a standout in the music scene.
In my current role as Vice President of Dapper Music Group, I’m part of a dynamic 360-degree entertainment company that excels in distribution, management, publishing, and label services. Our mission is to uncover and elevate hidden talents with authentic sounds that resonate deeply with audiences, transforming them into global superstars through the power of technology and strategic partnerships.
What excites me most about my work is the endless creative potential and the profound impact music can have on people’s lives. Each project, collaboration, and discovery ignites my passion and drives me to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of music.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Throughout my journey, three qualities have been particularly transformative. First, my unwavering tenacity to persevere through challenging circumstances has been essential. Second, my relentless pursuit of knowledge—marked by a constant thirst for learning and growth—has propelled me forward. This quest is further enriched by collaborations and teamwork, which harness diverse perspectives for innovative solutions. Third, my acute attention to detail has allowed me to hone my craft and achieve excellence in every endeavor.
For those just starting their journey, my advice is to never doubt yourself. Embrace failure as a valuable source of lessons and remain committed to continuous learning. Remember, the world changes rapidly, so adaptability and perseverance are crucial for navigating your path to success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am actively seeking impactful collaborations both within and beyond the entertainment industry. My mission is to harness the power of music as a catalyst for social change and to empower the creation of vibrant creative communities, particularly for young people. Engaging with music from an early age was transformative for me—it not only helped develop my character but also taught me to prioritize meaningful pursuits. Because of my passion for music and the creative outlet it provided, I found myself less tempted by the negative influences that surrounded me during my youth. This experience fuels my commitment to using music as a force for global empowerment and positive social development.
[email protected]
Instagram: @teeymixofficial
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teeymixmusic.com
- Instagram: @teeymixofficial
- Twitter: @teeymix
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