Around this period, one year ago, I received a message from a friend and it read “Have you heard of Tega Ethan?” As at that time, I had not. However, a week and a six-track EP later, I would wish I had discovered the artiste and his love songs earlier than I did.

Tega Ethan: Chords from the brown roof city

Around this period, one year ago, I received a message from a friend and it read “Have you heard of Tega Ethan?” As at that time, I had not. However, a week and a six-track EP later, I would wish I had discovered the artiste and his love songs earlier than I did.

Tega Ethan is a singer-songwriter based in Ibadan, Nigeria. His professional career which he states to have started 2018 has seen the release of 3 EPs, and multiple performances, including  opening for Popular acts like Johnny Drille and The Cavemen. 

My first interaction with Tega Ethan's music was his sophomore album – FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE LAGOS TRAFFIC. 

Captivated almost immediately by his guitar chords and smooth arpeggios, I found myself a permanent replayer  of the EP throughout the year.

FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE LAGOS TRAFFIC

The “Falling in Love is Like Lagos Traffic” EP comprises majorly of acoustic-pop sounds mixed with ballads. It takes an alternate turn, in both lyrics and tunes, away from the  common Afro-RnB sounds coming out of Nigerian mainstream media.

But much more, my ears– and mind, were drawn to the lyrics.  In six tracks, the album captures six different love contexts, demonstrating the artiste's strong songwriting skills.

Tega’s relatable yet poetic expressions, coupled with the serene atmospheric sound make what is now one of my favourite EPs of all time. 

Reflecting on love in light of these lyrics, I draw some inference from the love povs depicted in the songs. 

Track #1 : "Water and salt and fire (for Yinka)"

Sarah Ladipo's 'In depedence' is my favourite JAMB literature text. The book tells the story of Tayo – a Nigerian and Vanessa– his English student at Oxford University. Their love story is formed through the continental distance, military and civil uprisings, political struggles and post-colonial dealings between a freshly independent Nigeria and England.

Similarly, in this opening track, Tega Ethan describes a love beyond borders. Whoever Yinka is, the singer expresses a willingness to cross the line for them.

"We love. Love is the cousin of  War...."


— Tega Ethan (Water and salt and fire)

Physical distance, societal barriers, cultural and religious contexts can become a barrier standing in the way of love. Like life, love is also complicated.

Listening to this song, I imagined if there ever was a movie adaptation of “In dependence” and it is used as a theme song. Something Folkish. Very “OST-like”. Very motion picture worthy.

Water and salt and fire is a lullaby for the lovers who have decided to love against and through it all.

May the odds ever be in your favour.

TRACK #2:  "this song reminds me of you"

It is often said to love people just the way they are, but what if we also love people just the way we are? Do overthinkers overthink in love too?

If loving is to be vulnerable. Does this vulnerability heighten our weaknesses – our insecurities? Do protective people become overprotective when in love? Do anxious people get more panicky in love?

“Call me when you're home, 
or my mind would think the worst possible outcome..” 
–  Tega Ethan (this song reminds me of you)

This track brings to mind lovers who may be perceived as overwhelming. To the ones who plan triple steps ahead, because “what if Earth crashed right into Saturn…..”. To the lovers who find themselves in constant doubt because “nothing's ever felt this good”.

To the overthinkers in life and in love. The ones who feel it's too good to be true but do not want to lose it. This song reminds me of you. May you find love that calms you!

TRACK #3: "love is like Lagos traffic"

Living in Nigeria, you know just how messy this title sounds. Tales of the infamous, decade-long traffic in Lagos, are shared daily by victims– Lagos residents everyday. I fear I may have developed some phobia for the city that never sleeps.

Lagos traffic is unsurprising though, as the state is not only the most populated, but also the commercial heart of the country. In this track, Tega likens falling in love to being caught up in such a sticky lagos traffic.

"Falling in love is like Lagos traffic,  it can get nasty. The Good and the Bad and the Magic come unexpected..."  
— Tega Ethan (Love is like Lagos Traffic)

Whether it is by waking up earlier, or having breakfast in the shuttle bus, attending virtual meetings as everything stands static on the road, Lagos commuters move with the certainty of traffic in mind.

For this reason, the “Love is like Lagos traffic” lovers may come off as “nonchalant” in relationships. Or aloof even, with their “it either works out or not” attitude.

But they are not. They simply understand that uncertainty is the one certain thing about love.

These are aware that in the end, Love, like Lagos traffic, flows beyond human control.

TRACK #4:  "24/70"

The thing about ballads is that they are inherently sentimental. 24/70 starts on a pinning note. From the first note of the piano, you can tell you are going on a ballAd-ele musical ride.

"You're my Clarity, my 24/70, my whole entirety, my prettiest everything..." 
— Tega Ethan (24/70)

I am not quite sure what 24/70 means. Whether it is a reference to the multipurpose zoom lens of focal length 24-70mm. Or a creative wordplay on “24/7”, which represents “daily”, to show some extra-ness.

Either way, this song is from the POV of lovers that empty themselves. The “fell first and fell harder” trope lovers.  These are loves that walk down the aisle of flowers. They don't make lovers who yearn this much anymore.

With the emotionally charged piano chords, add a violin or cello orchestral accompaniment to this song, and you'd have a Bridgerton-worthy wedding track.

Do you believe in soulmates?  This is just the song for you.

Track #5 : "Harmattan" 

My city–Ilorin's history dangles between South-western origins and Northern influences, as does its weather. But Harmattan seasons (usually around December) are when it is most Northern like, with its teeth-clenching cold weather and dry wind.

Waking up one christmas morning to my brother and his girlfriend curled under a blanket on the couch. I realised I may be anti-love. (Just kidding)

"Harmattan" is the cozy track I would have played in that weather-for-two scenario (If I knew it existed back then)

"If this Harmattan season never ends, I'll keep your lips wet, you can keep my T-shirt on...”
– Tega Ethan (Harmattan)

With Harmattan, I think of consistent lovers, loving through seasons changing and the ones unending. Change is never easy, but these lovers are quick to adjust to corresponding changes. They are the acts of service lovers, the physical touch crew.

The next time you are the human sweater again, just play this track. 

TRACK 6: +234SALMA

The notion that disinterest in long-term love relationships is an indication of lack of love, seems to be at best– an assumption, and at worst– an oversimplification.

I believe these types of people exist. Constantly flirting with the idea of a relationship comeback, but having priorities that makes long-term commitment almost impossible. This is the table for the track +234SALMA.

“If the road didn't have my heart,I'll come back to you for the summer..."

— Tega Ethan (+234SALMA 

To these demographics of lovers, it is not that love is not in place, rather that love is now out of place. Reminiscing on what things were is never enough to dip their feet in that water.

+234SALMA is a fitting outro to end the EP juxtaposing . In all descriptions of love(r)s, it must be acknowledged that ultimately, love is a choice. And while these choices are not all the same, they are equally valid to the decision-makers.

So what type of lover are you according to Tega Ethan? Can you tell?

PSS:  Also check out Tega’s latest EP– Time is A Holy Place (UNSTEADY), released in December 2024.