Tinyanosa opens up about breaking free, building her sound, and why music saved her

Tinyanosa didn’t set out to be an artist. In fact, for a long time, she was trying to follow a life plan that didn’t belong to her. Born in Benin City and raised in Port Harcourt, the Nigerian singer-songwriter now based in Russia is finally making music on her terms, and for her, that’s everything.

“I grew up with the pressure of choosing a career I wasn’t interested in,” she says. “I kept going for a while, but it felt wrong. I reached my limit physically and mentally, and had to take a break.”

That break became the turning point. With support from her family and managers, Seamas and Juwon, Tinyanosa leaned into something she had always loved but never fully pursued: music. The songs started as a personal outlet, often recorded over YouTube beats in moments when she couldn’t express herself to anyone else.

“Music started as my way of breathing,” she says. “Even now, there’s no strict process. Melodies and lyrics come to me at random — when I’m falling asleep, walking, anything. It’s not structured. It’s a feeling.”

Today, her style is fluid and emotional, drawing from R&B, jazz, soul, hip-hop, and alternative genres. And while she may still be early in her journey, she’s already released a full project - Gemini vol. 2: Tales of the Brokenhearted, which features collaborations with underground talents like Reetkat, BuTaSkOch, Oze, Lema, and AdeByron.

“Working with these artists challenged me. They’re all so talented, and the energy in those sessions pushed me to grow,” she shares.

Tinyanosa describes her sound as unpredictable, heartfelt, and deeply personal. Growing up, people called her “different” - a label she now wears with pride. “There’s no one like me, and that’s my edge,” she says. “My music doesn’t follow one path. It bends, shifts, and carries whatever emotion I’m feeling.”

Beyond the music, she sees her purpose as much bigger. “I want to speak for the voiceless,” she says. “Music is my way of giving sound to emotions people are afraid to talk about.”

Looking ahead, she’s set to release more music, including an upbeat, danceable track with BuTaSkOch that she’s particularly excited about. She also hints at expanding into business when the time feels right.

For now, though, Tinyanosa is focused on staying true to her story. “I’ve learned not to take everything personally. It’s okay to take breaks, to step back when things don’t flow. What matters most is staying grounded in who you are.”

From quietly writing lyrics for herself to now making music that resonates with others, Tinyanosa’s journey isn’t just about sound - it’s about survival, freedom, and finding home in her own voice.

“Just keep watching,” she says with quiet confidence. “You really don’t want to miss what’s coming.”