The sensational Nigerian duo of multi-talented artists, Abahi Adedokun (Abahi) and Eloyi Soneye (Belle), who have captivated audiences with their fast-rising Pop, RnB, and fusion of Afrobeats.
Hailing from Benue state, these talented sisters have been singing since childhood. Abahi made a name for herself on West African Idols and MTN Project Fame, while Belle later joined her, and together they formed the dynamic group called Team Definition. This is their incredible story, shared with Akanbi Quadri (Godsent).
How did you both get started in the music industry?
We’ve always been singing since we were little children. Professionally, Abahi started off at West African Idols and then went on to audition for MTN Project Fame, before she met and started working with a producer named Gbenga Zacchaeus. Then Belle later joined her and they They both joined a dynamic group called Team Definition . We were part of the group for 8 years before we decided to venture out on our own in 2021, as the duo you now know as A&B.
What inspired you to pursue a music career together?
Music has always been in our blood. It was only a matter of time before we were going to pursue it as a career. We used to perform in our local church and in different secondary schools and universities. And so when the opportunity and time came for us to pursue it professionally, we dived in head-on.
Can you tell us a bit about your musical style and influences?
Our musical style is a unique blend of Pop, R&B, Country, Soft rock, Gospel, and Romantic ballads and with a fusion of Afrobeats.
We’ve been greatly influenced by international and local musicians and singers such as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, For King and Country, Cece Winans, R Kelly, Joe, Johnny Drille, Tuface, Banky W, Kizz Daniel, Asa; just to mention a few.
How did you come up with your unique stage name?
It’s a no-brainer because our stage name is actually the abbreviation of our names – A for Abahi and B for Belle
What was it like performing at Felabration 2023? Any memorable moments?
Felabration 2023, was a unique and big opportunity for us because not only is it an international stage, but it’s also the biggest platform that celebrates the iconic and legendary founder of Afrobeat music – Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
So it was a huge opportunity we were glad to be a part of.
The most memorable thing for us was the fact that the crowd was just cheering and singing along with us as we performed.
As siblings, do you find it easier or more challenging to work together creatively?
Working together is easy because ideas are able to flow, the songwriting process comes together seamlessly and we compliment each other effortlessly.
How do you differentiate yourselves as individual artists within the duo?
Well from the very beginning, we already are individual artists, and our styles are uniquely reflected in our personalities, our individual music genres, and our writing styles. So even though we’re together as a duo, we are still quite distinct from each other.
Are there any sibling rivalries or disagreements when it comes to creating music?
There’s no rivalry because when ideas come, we listen to each other, we explore the idea together and we come together to bring the idea to life because our musical tastes are quite similar and we are open to each other’s ideas and opinions.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you being twins?
The fact that people think we’re twins is the biggest misconception people have about us. Because we’re not twins 😄
How do you handle the pressure of being compared to each other?
There’s no pressure because we know our individual personalities and are comfortable with them. So instead of comparisons, we complement each other because we are distinctively 2 different individuals, just like positive and negative charge, Fire and Ice, Hot and Cold.
Can you share any funny or interesting stories from your journey as a duo?
Sometimes, we agree on a routine or something we should do on stage while performing and then one person gets carried away and forgets about the arrangement and does her own thing. After the performance, we point out the mistake and laugh about it.
How do you balance your personal relationship as siblings with your professional one?
We work very well together because we know first of all, what comes first is our profession, so we are able to quell or squash any personal differences we may have. We are very professional when it comes to our work to get things done. We are that mature.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working together?
We’ve learned no man is an island and no one person knows it all. Also, despite our differences and individual preferences, we are able to work together and we complement each other. We are in sync even when we’re not together physically. We can be thinking about similar ideas, outfits to wear, or things to do, even though we are physically not in the same space or place
Are there any specific rituals or routines you follow before performing on stage?
Yes, we hold hands and pray to God.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback as a duo?
First of all, there’s no such thing as negative feedback. FEEDBACK IS FEEDBACK. We take the Feedback and see how it works to help our Brand, our Style and our Sound. If it’s something that helps us grow and become better, we take it, if it’s not, we take it as an opinion, which people are entitled to have and we leave it at that. We take criticisms very well. We don’t take it personally. If it helps us become better, we incorporate it into our style and work.
Can you talk about any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
We are excited about the new works/album we are about to bring out.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists, especially those who want to work with their siblings?
Have the same vision. Listen. Respect each other. Compromise. Be each other’s best supporter. Don’t ever give up. Compliment, Celebrate, and Appreciate each other. Be disciplined and focused. Let your work be excellent. Hold onto Almighty God.
How has your music evolved since you first started performing together?
We think our music has evolved because we are better able to express ourselves, we put ourselves in the song or performance and interpret it our own way. We are also exploring other types of genres.
What’s the ultimate goal or dream you hope to achieve as a duo?
Our ultimate goal is to tour the world and influence people all over the world.
Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans and supporters?
We see our fans and supporters as part of us. They have been very instrumental in our journey and have always been there cheering us on. We are grateful and appreciate every one of them. And with God helping us, we’ll do our very best to continue to shine the light and be a good example. Thank you for always being there, we love you.
