Lifesize Teddy is on a mission for world dominance. Equipped with quick-witted one-liners and the swagger of a babe raised between Port Harcourt and Bonny Island. A product of Hip-Hop culture and its international reach across the African diaspora - her sound is a reflection of both her culture and the west.
Lifesize Teddy is a brew of new-age Afro-Pop. The newest signing to Nigeria’s Mavin Records (Rema, Ayra Starr), Lifesize Teddy has released two EPs; her self-titled debut in August and most recently ‘POISN’.
Recruiting producers like Sevn and Andre Vibez (Rema, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay), the 5-strong tracklist on both projects reimagine rap and poetry across afro-pop, electronic and alte sounds. A bold standout, Lifesize Teddy is in her lane - oozing the confidence of a star in the making, this free-spirited vessel is just getting started.
Who is Lifesize Teddy? Describe yourself in a few sentences.
I make music. I write while existing, figuring my way out and documenting my life as I live it.
How did the movement start?
Lifesize Teddy came up pretty randomly if I'm honest. I’ve been called Teddy all my life but one day I decided to add the “Lifesize” prefix to make it cool. I’ve been rapping since I was like 9. ‘The College Dropout’ by Kanye West is my favourite album - the first album I ever owned.
Was there a particular song growing up that made you want to make music?
Any song from Kanye, particularly from the ‘Graduation’ album. But the song that really did it for me and made me want to start rapping is ‘Now or Never’ by Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige.
What themes did you explore when making your projects?
I like to document my life with music. That is my only way of living, so I do it very often. With the second project ‘POISN’, I'm experiencing a new life - somewhere I always wanted to be. I take my pen and talk about how blessed I feel while being a bad bitch - because period.
Where are you from? Let’s paint the picture, tell me about growing up in your ends?
Growing up in Port Harcourt, everyone is so chilled and laid back. Everybody therelistens to Hip-Hop and wants to be a rapper. But it's also a mix of everything. We listen to pop music, soul and highlife. I personally love me some Brenda Fassie and Sunny Bobo.
What gets Lifesize Teddy inspired and ready to write?
Just get me in the studio. Once you tell me to get up and go to the studio that's when I’m going to shine. I love the music. I'm super low maintenance. You’ll get me inspired by just giving me a great producer to work with.
Who inspires your sound, let’s build a house, who are the blueprints?
Burna Boy, Kendrick Lamar and Drake. I'm also heavily inspired by Rihanna - she’s everything. So many different artists come together to fit into the different pockets of me - they all come together to make my blueprint.
What’s in your handbag?
My EarPods. My keychain which has a little teddy bear on it. My lip gloss - if you take my lip gloss, I’m coming for you! And a little lip liner of course.
What are you currently listening to?
Doja Cat’s ‘Scarlet’.
Any last words?
I'm so grateful to God.
[Culture Unwrapped Issue, December/January ]
CREDITS
Creative Producer - Zekaria Al-Bostani (@zek.snaps).
Photographer and CD - Karis Beaumont - (@karisbeau)
Creative Assistant: Garry Carbon - (@becauseimgarry)
Gaffer: Kiera Simspon - (@kiers) Stylist: Ramario Chevoy - (@ramariochevoy)
MUA: Ellie Durbridge - (@makeupbyelliedurbridge)Hair Stylist: Kreszend Sackey - (@kreszendsackey)
Studio: Blankboxstudio - (@blankboxstudio)
Publicist: Sope Soetan - (@sopesoetan)
STYLINGLook 1: headpiece by Merve Bayindir (@mervebayindirofficial)
Dress by Anitabel (@anitabel_official)
Shoes by Daniela uribe (@danielauribeofficial)
Look 2: dress by daily paper (@dailypaper) Jacket by two point two studio (@twopointtwostudio)
Heels by Kurt Geiger (@kurtgeiger)
Earrings by lucky little blighters (@luckylittleblighters)Rings (stylists own)
Look 3: jacket by two point two studio (twopointtwostudio
)Denim top & trousers by Yef studio (@yefstudio)Heels by Kurt Geiger (@kurtgeiger)
Earrings by coupe de coeur London (@coupedecoeurlondon)Necklace by Moushe designs (@mousche_designs)Rings (stylists own)
#deedsmag #lifesizeteddy
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