Episode 25: Dear God, I’m Still Here- with Nigerian Afro Artist, PENI Artwork

Earth Tones Podcast

Earth Tones is a soulful podcast rooted in four pillars: survival, passion, service, and love. Born from personal experience, spiritual devotion, and huge heart for humanity, this show explores the sacred intersections of faith, culture, healing, empowerment, and human connection.

Through raw storytelling, spiritual reflection, and conversations that matter, host Ella- a single mama, creative, solo traveler, and once, non profit founder- invites you into the journeying that shapes each of us. From her time working with refugees in Syria and Afghanistan to the quiet revelations that come through motherhood, each episode offers perspective, purpose, and permission to keep growing.

Whether you’re rebuilding, reimagining, or reaching for more- this space is for you. For the ones yearning for closer connections to each other or to God. Earth Tones is a return to what is real- a rhythm, a remembering, a quiet rebellion against a world that tells you to stay surface- level. Here, we go deeper.

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Earth Tones Podcast

Episode 25: Dear God, I’m Still Here- with Nigerian Afro Artist, PENI

January 20, 2026 • Ella Kuhn

0:00 | 40:38

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In this deeply moving episode of Earth Tones, I sit down with my friend- Afro artist PENI, who opens his heart and story with rare honesty.

PENI shares what it was like growing up in Nigeria and experiencing profound loss early in life, losing both of his parents and his sister. He reflects on the distinct impact each of them had on shaping who he is today, and how their teachings around family, generosity, and showing up for others continue to guide his choices.

Music became more than expression for PENI. It became memory. It became prayer.

Through lyrical storytelling, he honors the people he’s lost and the love that still carries him forward.

We talk about:

•Growing up in Nigeria and navigating grief at a young age

•How his parents and sister shaped his values and purpose

•Using music as a way to remember, heal, and tell his story

•His songs “Dear God” and “Dear God Pt. 2,” written for his lost family members

•Wrestling with faith during life’s hardest seasons

•Finding your way back to God when you feel distant, angry, or unsure

PENI also shares his hopes for the future. Building stability for himself and his brothers, creating financial freedom, and stepping into his next chapter with deeper faith and momentum. He has new music dropping in March, and this conversation offers a powerful glimpse into the heart behind the sound.

🎶 Listen to PENI’s music on Apple Music and Spotify:

Dear God

Dear God Pt. 2

If you’ve ever questioned God, grieved deeply, or tried to turn pain into purpose, this episode will sit with you long after it ends.

Connect with Guest, PENI

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/y0peni?igsh=MW1udTEwOHU1ZGUzYw==

Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/peni/1596997012

Spotify:

Peni

Connect with Host, Ella

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