Afrobeats sensation Tekno is heating up the summer with his latest double A-side release, ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget.’ Following his recent successful partnership with Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa and the hit single ‘Wayo,’ Tekno returns with these fresh tracks via Cartel Music. ‘Gon Gon’ serves up an amapiano-infused anthem perfect for summer festivities, while ‘No Forget’ offers a smooth R&B vibe, showcasing a more emotional and introspective side of the artist.

Tekno’s new releases highlight his ability to blend genres effortlessly and continue to captivate global audiences. With over 2.5 billion global streams and accolades from Billboard to BET, Tekno remains a pivotal figure in Afrobeats. In this interview, Tekno reveals the creative process behind his new singles, ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget,’ showcasing his musical versatility. We’ll explore how ‘Gon Gon’ delivers a vibrant amapiano beat while ‘No Forget’ offers a soulful R&B touch. Tekno also shares insights into his evolving sound and future projects, giving us a glimpse into what’s next for this Afrobeats superstar.

Read the full interview below:

What inspired the dual release of ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget’? How do these tracks complement each other?

You know me, I’m all about giving my fans something to vibe with, and with ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget,’ it was about showing two sides of the same coin. ‘Gon Gon’ has that feel-good, party vibe;  the kind of track that makes you want to get up and dance. But then, ‘No Forget’ brings you into your feelings, something more laid-back and soulful. They balance each other out. Life is a mix of both, so I wanted my music to reflect that.

Can you walk us through the creative process for ‘Gon Gon’? How did you and Egar Boi collaborate to achieve that amapiano sound?

‘Gon Gon’ was pure vibes in the studio. Egar Boi brought that amapiano heat, and as soon as I heard the beat, I knew we had something special. We were just bouncing ideas back and forth, making sure the groove was right. Amapiano is all about rhythm and vibe, so we made sure to keep that energy flowing throughout the track. It was all about making a banger that gets people on their feet, and I think we nailed it.

‘No Forget’ leans towards a more R&B style. What drew you to this genre for this track, and how did Louddaaa contribute to its development?

I’ve always had love for R&B, man. There’s something about that smooth, emotional vibe that lets you connect with people on a different level. With ‘No Forget,’ I wanted to dive into that and show another side of my music. Louddaaa came through with that slick production, bringing those warm, soulful elements that made the track what it is. We just wanted to create something real, something that hits you right in the heart.

Both tracks showcase different aspects of your musical versatility. How did you decide on the thematic and stylistic contrast between ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget’?

Versatility is key for me. I don’t like being put in a box. With ‘Gon Gon,’ I wanted to bring that high-energy, turn-up vibe. But then with ‘No Forget,’ I wanted to slow it down, make something that you could chill and reflect to. It’s about showing that I can switch it up.

With the success of ‘Wayo’ and now these new singles, what do you hope to achieve with this new musical chapter?

This new chapter is about levelling up, plain and simple. I want to keep pushing the boundaries of what Afrobeat can be, mixing in new sounds, and reaching more people around the world. I’m not just making music for Nigeria or Africa anymore – I’m making music for the world. I want to keep surprising my fans, keep them on their toes, and just keep delivering those hits that make them feel good.

What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget’?

‘Gon Gon’ is all about that positive energy—it’s a track that makes you want to live in the moment, enjoy life, and have a good time. ‘No Forget’ is more about holding onto those important memories and feelings. Whether you’re turning up or chilling out, I want my music to remind you to appreciate the moment and not take anything for granted.

Billie Eilish called you her “favourite artist ever.” How did you react to this incredible compliment, and have you had any personal interactions or conversations with her about your music?

Yo, when I heard that, I was blown away! Billie is a massive talent, and to hear her say I’m her favourite artist? That’s crazy! I haven’t had the chance to link up with her yet, but you know I’d love to chop it up and see what we could create together. It’s a big compliment, and it just shows how music connects us all, no matter where we’re from.

How has the global reception of your music evolved over the years, and what changes have you noticed in the industry?

The love has been real. Seeing how Afrobeat has blown up globally is amazing. When I started, it was about making hits for home, but now, the world is watching. The industry’s more connected now – artists are collaborating across borders, genres are mixing, and there’s a lot more freedom to experiment. It’s a good time to be in the game, for sure.

Can you share a particular moment or experience in your career that profoundly impacted your personal or professional growth?

‘Pana’ was that moment for me. When that song took off, it changed everything and showed me the power of staying true to my sound. That success pushed me to keep evolving, to keep challenging myself. It was a real turning point in my career, and it made me realise that I could take this thing to new heights.

Given your success and the evolution of your sound, do you have any particular artists or genres that have recently inspired you?

I’m always on the lookout for fresh sounds. Amapiano’s been a big influence lately – that sound is just too infectious.  But I’m also listening to a lot of different stuff, from R&B to hip-hop, even some traditional African music. I like to keep my ears open to everything, because you never know where the next inspiration will come from.

Looking ahead, what are some of the goals or projects you’re excited about for the future? Are there any new directions or ventures you’re planning to explore?

You know me, I’m always cooking up something. I won’t say too much, but just know there’s some fire on the way. I’m all about keeping it fresh and doing things differently, so expect the unexpected.