Teddy James counts his blessings as he eyes the mainstream
JOHANNESBURG: Johannesburg musician Teddy James is counting his blessings as he prepares to take his music to a wider audience with his latest single, Blessed.
Released on 1 October through Tony Duardo Presents, the melodic track is a reflection on faith, family, love and gratitude, while signalling what Teddy describes as a new chapter in his career.
“Every day I walk, I’m blessed. Every morning I wake up, I’m blessed,” he says.
For Teddy, being blessed is not about fame or material wealth, but about appreciating life’s simple victories.
“If I can wake up, have somewhere safe to sleep and have a meal in front of me, that is already a win,” he says.
His journey in music began at the age of eight when he recorded a song for his mother’s 50th birthday. That first experience in a recording studio sparked a passion that has continued to shape his life.
Teddy says he has since grown more confident in his identity as an artist.
“My earlier music was me figuring myself out. Now I’m much more comfortable being Teddy James,” he says.
His musical influences include Drake, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, artists he admires for their versatility, longevity and timeless appeal.
Teddy says he wants to create music that survives beyond current trends.
“I’m not interested in making disposable music. I’m trying to build records that live longer than the moment they were released in,” he says.
The Johannesburg artist is now preparing an EP that will showcase his versatility, production skills and use of samples. He is also working on a bigger project titled The Parks.
While he is determined to break into the mainstream, Teddy says he does not want to compromise his identity in the process.
“I genuinely believe in my talent. Vocally, creatively and in terms of versatility, I genuinely believe I can compete at the highest level,” he says.
For now, Blessed serves as both a thank-you for the journey so far and a declaration of what Teddy James believes lies ahead.
“I woke up. I got another day. That’s a blessing.”
