‘I want to disrupt that comfort’: Teddy James on finding his place in the mainstream

Rising South African music star Teddy James is aiming to make his mark in the mainstream with his latest single, "Blessed." The song, released on October 1st through Tony Duardo Presents, delves into themes of faith, family, love, and the support system that has helped him along his journey. Teddy expressed his desire to stand out in the music scene by stating, "I hear a lot of similarities in music today, particularly in South Africa. Similar sounds, similar approaches, similar formulas. I want to disrupt that comfort."

Teddy's musical influences span a range of artists, including Drake, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. With confidence in his abilities, he believes he possesses the vocal talent, creativity, and versatility to compete at the highest level. Moreover, he emphasized that he wants his music to transcend the current moment, hoping that a future generation would sing his songs.

Teddy explained, "I don’t just want people playing my music today. I want somebody’s kid singing a Teddy James record years from now because they grew up hearing their parents play it. I’m not interested in making disposable music. I’m trying to build records that live longer than the moment they were released in."

Teddy's connection to music began at the age of eight when he recorded his first song in a studio as a birthday gift for his mother, who turned 50. He recounted his initial experience in the studio, recalling the excitement he felt when the beat started playing. This moment marked the beginning of his journey to becoming the artist he is today.

Years later, Teddy expressed a newfound comfort with his identity as an artist, stating, "My earlier music was me figuring myself out. Now I’m much more comfortable being Teddy James."

The single "Blessed" was created in collaboration with Teddy's friend and frequent collaborator, Elizee. The pair spent around seven to eight hours working on the song, focusing on its meaning, lyrics, and melodies without rushing the process. Teddy emphasized that he wants the song to have deeper significance: "We allowed the song to breathe and become what it needed to become. I want it to mean something."

The song also reflects Teddy's faith, as he genuinely believes that God is watching over him throughout his life. He shared, "I genuinely believe God watches over every step I take. Even when I put myself in a situation I probably shouldn’t be in, somehow He finds a way to pull me out of it and put me where I’m supposed to be." Furthermore, Teddy credits his family and the woman in his life for their unwavering support, stating that these elements hold greater importance than any material possessions.

He concluded by reflecting on the blessings in his life, saying, "Every day I walk, I’m blessed. Every morning I wake up, I’m blessed. This record is me stopping for a moment and saying, ‘Thank You, God. I see what You’re doing in my life.’ If I can wake up, have somewhere safe to sleep and have a meal in front of me, that is already a win. Sometimes the smallest wins are actually the biggest blessings."