Tekno Releases Third Studio Album Where Did Love Go? - A Return to Afrobeats Roots

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Tekno (Temiloluwa Adeyemo) released his third studio album, Where Did Love Go?, on 3 July 2026. The eight‑track project is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. The release follows a long‑standing career that began with the 2010s hits “Pana,” “Duro,” and “Rara,” which helped define the genre’s early mainstream sound.

The album’s title and concept stem from a personal reflection on the evolution of love and relationships. In an interview with CLASH, Tekno explained that he had been “thinking about how our environment and experiences affect the way we see things.” He noted that, after a decade of writing love songs, he began questioning what love means in the present day and how it differs from the past.

Musically, the record retains the melodic Afrobeats style that made Tekno a household name while incorporating contemporary influences. Songs such as “Adaeze,” “Gently,” “Matter,” and “Wedding Day” blend traditional Nigerian rhythms with elements of Ghanaian Alkayida, dancehall, and everyday Afrobeats. Tekno said the track “Wedding Day” was intended as a duet that captures the excitement of a couple’s vows, while “Gently” asks listeners to “love me gently, love me carefully.” The album’s final track, “Avelay,” offers a feel‑good anthem that redefines love through reliability and generosity.

Production details reveal a shift in Tekno’s creative process. He described using Suno, a generative AI music platform, to test ideas before finalizing a track. For example, he entered a prompt that combined dancehall, Alkayida, and Afrobeats into Suno, which produced a blueprint that he then refined. Tekno emphasized that the AI merely helped him decide whether an idea “could work,” and that the final production remained his own.

The artist also discussed personal challenges during the album’s creation. He revealed that he stopped smoking weed in December 2025, a decision that coincided with the start of the album’s production in January 2026. Tekno said withdrawal symptoms were a hurdle, but he ultimately felt the experience made the creative process “special.” He noted that he has not smoked for about seven months.

Beyond the album, Tekno reflected on the rapid global rise of Afrobeats. He said the genre’s worldwide reach accelerated faster than expected, citing the success of newer artists such as Rema, Asake, and Fireboy as catalysts. He added that the current era offers “an amazing time to be alive and making this music.”

In terms of maintaining his artistic identity, Tekno stressed the importance of staying true to his core Afrobeats sound. He said that while some of his recent work aligns with current trends, he often re‑examines it to ensure it still feels authentic. He highlighted “Adaeze” as a track that exemplifies this authenticity.

The album’s release follows Tekno’s earlier work, including his 2020 debut Old Romance. While he acknowledges growth as a person and artist, he maintains that his creative style has remained consistent. He expressed a desire for listeners who discover his music through this album to recognize his unique sound.

Where Did Love Go? is now available for streaming and purchase. Tekno has announced plans to produce a music video for “Wedding Day” and to continue creating new projects.

The release marks a significant moment for Tekno, who has been a prominent figure in Afrobeats for over a decade. The album’s focus on love and personal reflection offers a fresh perspective within a genre that has seen rapid global expansion.