“They Followed a Dream”, a series collaboration between Urbaanite Nashville and Music City Spotlight by Ollie Gabriel, offering intimate conversations with local musicians —who turn pain into power and passion into purpose.
In a city rooted in country chords and honky-tonk tradition, a new kind of soul is rising—and her name is Ten. Born Tenette, the genre-blending artist known as “Ten” has turned survival into song. Her journey from the South Side of Chicago to Nashville stages is one of trauma, transformation, and unshakeable faith.
When I first saw Ten perform, she lit up the stage, radiating soul and precision. Her voice was magnetic. I knew then she had to be the first feature in this series. When we met, she arrived dressed as if it were a red carpet—unapologetic and bold. Her electric style channels Donna Summer and Pam Grier, with the edge of Erykah Badu and Missy Elliott. But behind the glam is a survivor. Ten endured domestic violence and childhood abuse—truths she channels into her music. “I made a vow not to lie in my art,” she said. “God is using me to heal others through my truth.”
Her love for music began at a young age, when she would lip-sync to En Vogue at family gatherings. It was her sister’s boyfriend who first recognized her gift and helped her launch her journey—from girl groups to solo artistry, even appearing on NBC’s The Voice. Now in Nashville, Ten brings more than music—she brings purpose. Her live series, The Perfect Ten Experience Presents: The Gumbo, blends soul music, mental health, poetry, comedy, and plant-based culture into a powerful, healing night.
In just seven months, she’s performed on some of the city’s top stages, collaborated with Grammy-nominated producers, and landed a residency with vocal trio The Shindellas. Her next soulful single, “Boss Lady,” inspired by an honest conversation with two young women, is evolving into a movement for empowering women through financial literacy.
Still, her journey hasn’t been easy. As a Black woman crossing genres, she’s faced skepticism—sometimes from her own community. “In white spaces, I was embraced immediately,” she said. “But in some Black spaces, I felt I had to prove myself—even to people who knew me.” The experience taught her to value people with good hearts, regardless of their color.
Ten moves with grace through it all. “I don’t need validation anymore,” she said. “I love you whether you love me or not. That’s my job—to uphold that godly presence. God always surrounds me with the right people—even when I don’t see it, they’re there, like angels. Sometimes I look at myself and think, Wow, I’m still chasing my dreams with confidence. I’ve faced some dark moments, but I never let them break me. I used them as fuel to keep reinventing myself and doing what I love.
Her next Perfect Ten Experience takes place at The Corner Wedgewood, Nashville’s newest Black-owned speakeasy venue, on July 12th and 26th. Tickets available now on Eventbrite. Expect laughter. Expect healing. Expect soul on full blast.
Ten is a must-see talent that will stir the spirit, and her story reflects resilience, faith, and purpose. Get to know Ten. She isn’t just an artist—she’s a movement.
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