Nii Borlabi Tessa

Born in Haiti, Nii Borlabi Tessa was raised by a resilient and hardworking mother who singlehandedly supported her six children. After emigrating to the United States in 1997, the family settled in Hudson, New York. His mother took on whatever work she could find—cleaning homes, selling goods on the street, and often traveling for long periods to provide for her children.

Nii Borlabi Tessa vividly remembers the sacrifices she made, including times when food was so scarce she would give everyone small portions and send the children to eat mangoes just to feel full.

His father arrived in the U.S. earlier by boat, was intercepted by the Coast Guard, and granted asylum. Three years later, the family reunited in the U.S.

From a young age, Nii Borlabi Tessa was drawn to music and the arts. He joined Operation Unite New York’s Cultural and Arts Center, where he began in the tenor drumline and graduated to snare. He also studied dance and piano, eventually becoming a skilled keyboardist who played at the Haitian Rock De Roche church at the age of ten.

In 2012, he became the head musician at the Pentecostal Church of Greater Hartford and later attended Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis to study Music and Biblical Teaching.

While in college, Nii Borlabi Tessa and his sister Wildine formed the gospel group “Arise” and, with the guidance of mentor Augustus Alexander ("Uncle"), launched the record label “True Worship.” They recorded their debut EP in 2014 and toured churches and conferences across the United States.

Nii Borlabi Tessa holds a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling and lives by the motto “never waste a moment.” A lifelong learner, he is deeply committed to personal development, education, and uplifting others.

In 2021, Nii Borlabi Tessa was honored with the royal title of Ambassador Chief in the Jasper, representing Canada, North America, South America, and the Caribbean under Overlord Gborbu Wulomo of the Gandambe State. This is a royal position within the Traditional Council of Accra in southern Ghana, recognizing his efforts in bridging cultures and supporting international development.

That same year, he made significant philanthropic contributions to Nungua Central, Accra, Ghana, by donating funds to hospitals for rebuilding damaged maternity and surgical wards—ensuring that mothers and patients in the area no longer needed to travel far to receive critical care.

In 2022, he returned to Nungua to fund the construction of a water well, strategically placed in the heart of the community. This well now serves business owners, families, and children, providing accessible and reliable clean water to thousands.

Today, Nii Borlabi Tessa continues to inspire through his music, mentorship, and mission.

Blending Konpa, R&B, and Afro-fusion, he is crafting a groundbreaking sound that connects cultures and tells the story of a journey rooted in faith, resilience, and vision.