The King of New Skool Apala: A Biography of Terry Apala

Terry Apala Biography, Age, Family, Net Worth. Terry Alexandar Ejeh, widely known as Terry Apala, is a force of nature in the Nigerian music industry, a rare artist who has not only carved out a niche for himself but has also single-handedly modernized a traditional musical genre. With his electrifying blend of traditional Yoruba Apala music and contemporary Trap, Hip-Hop, and Afrobeats, he has created a sound he affectionately calls “Apala-Trap” or “Apala-Fusion.” More than just a musician, Terry Apala is a custodian of culture, breathing new life into a rich heritage and presenting it to a new generation of listeners both in Nigeria and across the globe. This biography delves into the life and career of the man who dared to fuse the old with the new, and in doing so, created a genre all his own.

Early Life and Background

Born on July 27, 1988, in Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria, Terry Apala’s journey is deeply rooted in the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of the city. Though he was raised in the bustling metropolis, his ethnic origins trace back to the Isoko people of Delta State, a heritage he proudly acknowledges in his music. His formative years in Mushin, a part of Lagos known for its gritty reality and deep connection to street culture, exposed him to a wide array of sounds. From the pulsating rhythms of street parties to the soulful hymns of the church, every corner of his environment was a source of musical inspiration.

Apala music, a genre traditionally characterized by its percussive, talking drum-heavy sound, was a constant backdrop to his childhood. It was a sound deeply associated with Yoruba culture, often used for social commentary and celebration. Terry Apala was captivated by this genre from a young age, listening intently to the legends who pioneered it, particularly the iconic Haruna Ishola. It was in the church, however, that he first honed his musical skills, learning to play the drums and the guitar. This early training provided him with a solid foundation, allowing him to understand rhythm and melody on a fundamental level.

Before embarking on his solo career, Terry Apala was the lead vocalist of a now-defunct R&B group called Mezo Soprano. The group found early success, even winning a first-place prize at a music competition for the Kanu Heart Foundation in 2000. This experience gave him a taste of the music industry and the thrill of performing, but it was not enough to satisfy his burgeoning desire to create something truly unique. He felt a pull toward his roots, a calling to merge the traditional sounds he loved with the modern music he was also passionate about.

The Birth of a Genre: Apala-Trap

After leaving his group, Terry Apala began to experiment. He took the rhythmic complexity and vocal style of Apala music—a style known for its storytelling and reliance on a band of percussionists—and married it with the heavy bass, synthesized sounds, and lyrical flow of contemporary Trap and Hip-Hop. The result was “Apala-Trap,” a sound that was both refreshingly new and comfortably familiar. His deep, raspy voice, a key feature of his delivery, became the perfect vehicle for this fusion, allowing him to switch effortlessly between singing, chanting, and rapping.

His breakthrough came with the release of the single “Champagne Shower”. The track was an instant hit, and it was a bold statement of intent. It showcased his ability to blend the traditional talking drum rhythms with a modern trap beat, proving that the fusion wasn’t just possible, but potent. He followed this success with other hit singles, solidifying his place as a pioneer.

In 2017, he released a cover of Ed Sheeran’s global hit, “Shape of You,” which demonstrated his versatility and ability to globalize his sound. His rendition, a perfect blend of English and Yoruba lyrics over a melodic Apala-inspired beat, was widely praised and earned him the “Best Music Cover of the Year (International)” at the City People Music Award 2017. This cover not only won him an award but also introduced his unique style to a broader, international audience.

Major Vibes EP and the Rise to Prominence

Building on his momentum, Terry Apala released his debut project, the “Major Vibes” EP, on August 13, 2020. This extended play, produced entirely by the talented Major Bangz, was a concise yet powerful declaration of his artistry. The project contained six tracks, with no features, allowing Terry Apala to showcase his skills as a solo artist and the full range of his genre. Songs like “Lock Up” and “No Sege” became fan favorites, further cementing his reputation as the “King of New Skool Apala.”

The release of his debut album, ÀÀRE (Aare), in 2022 was a landmark moment in his career. The album, which translates to “The Chief” in Yoruba, was a testament to his ambition and a more mature, expansive exploration of his sound. It featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry, including Ladipoe, Duncan Mighty, and Psycho YP, among others. ÀÀRE was a critical success, praised for its cohesive sound, lyrical depth, and unapologetic embrace of Nigerian culture. It was an album that not only entertained but also served as a cultural statement.

Throughout his career, Terry Apala has received numerous accolades and nominations. He was nominated for “Rookie of the Year” at The Headies in 2016 and “Most Promising Act to Watch” at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in the same year. He won the “Best Music Cover of the Year” at the City People Music Award in 2017, proving that his innovative approach was being recognized by both critics and fans.

Discography: Singles and Collaborations

Terry Apala’s discography is a rich tapestry of singles, EPs, and collaborations that showcase his evolution as an artist.

Albums & EPs

• ÀÀRE (Aare) (Album) – 2022
• Major Vibes (EP) – 2020
• NOT GUILTY (EP) – 2025

Notable Singles (as lead artist)

• “Champagne Showers” (2016): The song that introduced his Apala-Trap sound to the world and made him a mainstream artist.
• “Omidan” (2016): A rhythmic and melodious track that further explored his unique vocal style.
• “Feel Me” (2017): A highly popular song that cemented his place in the industry.
• “Shape of You (Cover)” (2017): His award-winning cover of Ed Sheeran’s hit, showcasing his global appeal.
• “Mgbor” (2017): Another hit single with a captivating rhythm.
• “Palongo” (feat. Musiliu Ishola) (2017): A significant collaboration with a legend of traditional Apala music, signaling a passing of the torch.
• “Baca” (2018): A vibrant track that became one of his most-streamed songs.
• “Joosi” (2018): Another popular single that demonstrated his lyrical prowess.
• “Apala Wifi” (2019): A track that further highlighted his ability to blend traditional and modern sounds.
• “Lock Up” (feat. Niniola) (2020): A collaboration with the “Queen of Afro-House” that was well-received by fans.
• “Wetin” (2020): An introspective track that showcased a more vulnerable side of the artist.
• “Kamba” (2021): A standout single that received significant airplay.
• “Eko O Gba Gbere” (2023): A powerful song celebrating the hustle and bustle of Lagos.

Latest Video

Notable Collaborations (as featured artist)

• “Skit” by Reminisce (2016): One of his earliest notable features.
• “Paper” by HybridSosa (feat. Terry Apala & Tish) (2025): A recent collaboration that shows his continued relevance.
• “Pressure” by Klever Jay (feat. Terry Apala) (2025): Another recent feature on a popular song.
• “APALA DISCO” by DJ Tunez, Terry Apala, Musiliu Haruna Ishola (2024): A powerful, multi-generational collaboration.
• “Oroma” by Reekado Banks (feat. Terry Apala) (2025): A highly anticipated collaboration.

Net Worth and Financial Status

Like most artists, Terry Apala’s net worth is a subject of speculation and is not publicly disclosed. However, based on his career trajectory, album sales, streaming numbers, endorsement deals, and performance fees, his net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million. This is a solid figure that reflects his success as a mainstream artist and the marketability of his unique brand. While these figures are estimates, they provide a clear picture of his significant earning power and a testament to his hard work and innovation in the music industry.

Social Handles

You can connect with Terry Apala and stay up-to-date with his music and activities through his official social media channels:

• Instagram: @terryapalaofficial
• Twitter: @iam_TerryApala
• Facebook: @Terry Apala
• Tiktok: @terryapala1

Conclusion

Terry Apala is more than just a musician; he is a visionary who has single-handedly pushed the boundaries of Nigerian music. By fearlessly merging the rich, rhythmic traditions of his heritage with the modern, global sounds of Hip-Hop and Trap, he has not only created a new genre but has also introduced the beauty of Apala music to a new generation. His journey from the streets of Mushin to a respected pioneer of “Apala-Trap” is a testament to the power of authenticity and innovation. As he continues to release new music and push his sound, there is no doubt that Terry Apala will remain a pivotal figure in the evolution of Afrobeats and a true guardian of his cultural legacy. FOR MORE INFORMATION, I RECOMMEND SONGBUX.