Home, local speech and poetic language
In his January 2024 Newsday interview, Teja said he wanted listeners to love who they are. He linked home with freedom, sought more poetic language and used expressions familiar to people in Trinidad and Tobago. These were his stated writing choices, rather than an explanation invented from the title.
Sources: Newsday — Teja interview
Tano’s account of working with Teja
Following the 2024 Road March result, co-writer and co-producer Michael “Tano” Montano told Newsday that he and Teja had started in the industry around the same time. Teja had taught him production; sharing the win with a close friend made it especially meaningful to him.
The single’s credits name Mical Teja and Tano as both songwriters and producers. Tano is the collaborator identified in this interview; he should not be confused with Machel Montano.
Sources: Newsday — Tano interview · D N A - Song with Lyrics by Mical Teja - Apple Music
The selected single’s instrumental team
Apple titles this entry “D N A” and dates it October 16, 2023. Its contributor list separates performance from mixing and mastering, allowing the individual roles to be read without guessing from the sound.
| Contributor | Role |
|---|---|
| Mical Teja | Vocals |
| Kyle Peters | Guitar; bass |
| All Star Brass | Horn section |
| Joshua ‘Supa Youth’ Salcedo | Drums |
| Nikholai Greene | Mixing; mastering |
Sources: D N A - Song with Lyrics by Mical Teja - Apple Music