We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tesia Kwarteng . Check out our conversation below.
Tesia , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity will always be number one for me. I truly believe that we reap what we sow and having integrity will always bear good fruit even when the harvest doesn’t come when we think it should. I think integrity requires both intelligence and energy. It allows you to make sound decisions and confidently move in such a way that others also respect.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Ghanaian-American multi-faceted artist. I’m extremely grateful to have performed on some of the world’s greatest stages and with world class artists. My first ever recital in my life was at Carnegie Hall and it’s been a really beautiful journey ever since. I’ve performed on Broadway, The Metropolitan Opera, The Kennedy Center and The Apollo Theater. Last year I sang at the Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards with the American Pops Orchestra and among the honorees was the president of Ghana. In 2019, I was selected as a 2019 Top 30 under 30 Pioneer by the Future of Ghana publication, I also led and sang with the vocal ensemble Vox Noire on the recording of the original film score for The Woman King by Terence Blanchard, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Viola Davis.
I’ve always known what I wanted to do with my life and I don’t take that for granted. I still have more that I’m aspiring to but I’ve had constant support and encouragement to pursue my dreams. I know that’s played a huge part in the success I’ve achieved.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I am someone who genuinely wants to see everybody win. I believe that our hopes and desires are within reach and that anything is possible. With that being said, I had (and still have if I’m being honest) the tendency to downplay my accomplishments and work I’ve done possibly to my detriment. Not because I’m not proud of them or myself but because I also believe in humility. My life isn’t my resume and God forbid I’m not able to do the work I do anymore, I know I still have value simply because I exist. That also doesn’t mean that I can’t share my wins and own the power and gifting I have. The more I embrace it, the more things open up for me. I don’t think playing small has ever served me per se but I have been slowly releasing that mindset. Accepting my greatness doesn’t diminish anyone else’s.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I was recently going through boxes of things from my childhood and found so many wonderful nuggets. I participated in the National American Miss pageant when I was in high school and found a personal information sheet with questions I’d responded to. Part of my response to the question about what makes me special and unique was that I’m not afraid to speak my mind and I love being an individual. Looking back on that really made me proud that even in my teens I had a very strong sense of self. So if I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be you’re remarkable and your confidence is admirable.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m very much a what you see is what you get person. I think we all have versions of ourselves that are different in private and to some degree they should be, but the core of who you are is what I think should be consistent both in private and public.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My name means loved by God or one of gladness and I think if I laid everything down, joy and gratitude would remain. This kind of ties into what I was saying before about my life and my resume being two separate things. It can be difficult for artists to separate themselves from their work. When your body is your instrument I understand how that can prove difficult if you feel like that’s all you have to hang on to and don’t know who you are outside of that. That’s why I always say I’m a human first that just so happens to be an artist. I love what I do but again I have to live life which in turn can help me bring that into my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tesiakwarteng.com
- Instagram: @tesiatee
- Facebook: @tesiatee07
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/8v-xJQ7m5XQ?si=9jSrbpMhG_LNmRdQ ; https://youtube.com/@tesiatee?si=yWCU1kza6vaKZ_37
