Tekno Charges Up The Summer With “Powerbank”

Afrobeats mainstay Tekno is ushering in a new era with Powerbank, a bright, infectious single that finds him at his most playful and emotionally resonant. Released via emPawa Africa and Cartel Music, the track marks a confident return from one of Nigerian pop’s most consistent hitmakers.

Produced by longtime collaborator Selebobo—best known for his work on Yemi Alade’s Johnny and Tekno’s breakout hit Rara—Powerbank is a warm, slow-burning ode to love, rendered through the unmistakable cadence of Nigerian storytelling. It’s the kind of track only Tekno could deliver: equal parts romantic, cheeky, and spiritually grounded in everyday language.

But this isn’t love as a spectacle. Instead, Powerbank reimagines intimacy as a source of quiet strength—less about fireworks, and more about the gentle recharge that comes from a deep emotional connection. “It’s about the kind of love that feels like home,” the track suggests. “Not fireworks, but firewood.” Tekno brings this idea to life using colloquial charm and lyrical precision, framing romance in the familiar language of power outages and battery life—an unmistakably Nigerian metaphor for enduring affection.

The single arrives with a cinematic visual treatment from director Kemz (Shallipopi, Blaqbonez), who enlists Nollywood star Regina Daniels to play Tekno’s love interest. The video layers classic Hollywood aesthetics—neon-lit car chases and slow-motion stares—over a contemporary Lagos backdrop, turning everyday moments into blockbuster-level drama. It’s a clever blend of romance and action, delivered with a knowing wink.

“Powerbank” also signals the latest release from the partnership between Cartel Music and emPawa Africa, the independent powerhouse helmed by Mr Eazi. Announced in 2024, the joint venture has positioned Tekno for a renewed chapter in a career already packed with hits and high-profile collaborations.

With recent singles like Alhaji and promises of more music in the pipeline, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Tekno. Nearly a decade after Pana redefined Afropop’s global reach, he continues to evolve while staying true to his signature blend of wit, rhythm, and emotional honesty. Powerbank isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reminder that Tekno has never really left. He’s simply been recharging.