Yes that NYSC picture is me, I’m not ashamed to admit it. The timing of that picture going around online is impeccable because I have been reflecting a lot lately. I’ve been reflecting on my journey, how far I have come, how far I still want to go, the mistakes I have made and the lessons I have learned.
I’ve performed in 13 cities so far on this North American tour and every single show feels magical. The more I perform, the better I get, the more confident I become and the more assured I am that I am on the right path. Surprisingly, I have not lost my voice lol, Thanks to Ranti (my vocal coach) for showing me the trick to using my voice. To think this is the same boy from ikotunnow performing all around the world and living the ‘Five Star‘ life I always wanted.
I’ve learnt a lot during this tour but one thing that I realized about my journey is that God paces me so that I don’t burn out.
Right from the beginning when I worked as a graphic artist, I designed flyers for everyone and for a lot of music industry events; Industry Night, One Mic Naija etc…I knew I wanted to be on the other side one day and be on the stage performing, I tried so hard but it didn’t happen. I was already in the industry but not as an artist, not as what I dreamt to be and I watched other people walk in and become big superstars very quickly right before my eyes.
When God said it was my turn, it didn’t come that easy. I quit my Job and released Sade. It’s taken me all this time to finally get here. I’m not here to complain or wail about how long it has taken me but to share with you why I think it took me this long.
God took his time and slowed things down to work on me, to preserve me and to build me up so that I don’t run out of steam too quickly. When I think I have released my best work yet, God says “hold my cup”.
8 years since my first single, all that’s happened to me is growth despite the hurdles. I have grown as a writer, a musician and a performer. The truth is we all need to start somewhere but from small beginnings come great things. All the setbacks, the NO’s and the disappointments taught me resilience and to never give up, to keep going and to remain patient in fate.
I have come to charge you again, that no matter what, you will always trust in your fate and trust that things will align. Just remain dedicated and committed to the life you want.
Remember when I said I realized the life I was searching for, was already my own. It’s still valid. What life are you searching for? Stop the search and start to believe that it is already your own because if you look back and reflect you will realize that you have made so much progress already. You might not be where you want to be yet but don’t despise your small beginnings and don’t run when God wants to perfect your crawl first.
I want to challenge you to share a before and after picture of yourself. Remind yourself where you started, appreciate where you are coming from. Prepare yourself for where you are going.
Tag me, make sure you do. I want to see your ‘Five Star‘ transformations. using #AGFiveStar
All my love,
Tio Tequila.
