Toyin Sokefun-Bello

Toyin Sokefun-Bello (; born 14 January 1978), who is better known as TY Bello, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, photographer and philanthropist. Prior to pursuing a solo career, she was a member of the now defunct gospel band Kush. Bello is currently a member of the Nigerian photography collective, Depth of Field. She has released the albums Greenland, The Future (2011), The Morning Songbook (2014), Africa Awake (2021), We Are Fire (2022), Heaven Has Come (2023), and The Spirit of Light (2024).

Life and career Early life and career beginnings Bello was born on 14 January 1978, in Ogun State, Nigeria. She attained a degree in economics from the University of Lagos, and briefly practiced journalism before venturing into photography. Bello emerged onto Nigeria's musical landscape as a member of the defunct group Kush, an acronym for Kinetically Ushering Salvation into Hearts and Homes. Other members of the group included Lara George, Dapo Torimiro and rapper Emem Ema. Kush gained popularity in the early 2000s with the single "Let's Live Together", and released an album before disbanding.

2008–2013:Greenland, The Future, The Jubilee Collection and anti-rape campaign

Art is about collecting experiences and expressing them. For me music and photography are similar art forms. I collect experiences, stir them in myself and express it in my own language. Just like my photography, music is my language. The Future was originally slated for release in 2011 and was ranked 12th on Nigerian Entertainment Today s list of the 12 Albums to Buy in 2011. Bello worked with producer Mosa and recorded the album in a few months. The song urges Nigerian youth to be the change they seek. Directed by Kemi Adetiba, the music video for "The Future" was released on 3 April 2011, and includes cameos from Sound Sultan, Chude Jideonwo, Banky W, and Tara Fela-Durotoye. Ore Fakorede awarded the song 7 stars out of 10, saying its "soft tribal drums, synths and a piano provide a vivid backdrop for TY to contrast her unmistakable voice against, and this she does brilliantly, bringing the poignancy in the song’s lyrics to life." Reviewing for Sahara Reporters, Dapo Osewa described the video as "a narrative in itself that dares to capture the varying and boundless composition of emotion that is the face of the Nigerian." Makeup brand House of Tara launched the Jubilee Collection, a limited edition makeup line inspired by the song.

In October 2011, Bello was one of the celebrities featured in an eight-minute anti-rape video compiled by the Nigerian Ministry of Youth Development. The anti-rape video sheds light on the victim of a gang rape at Abia State University in 2011. In December 2013, Bello released the Wale Adenuga-assisted single "Yahweh", which features additional vocals from Nwando Okeke and Mosa. Bello wrote the song's first line in 2004 during a photo-shoot.

2014:The Morning Songbook Bello's third studio album, The Morning Songbook, was released for free digital download on SoundCloud on 10 October 2014. It was released without any promotion and comprises ten tracks, including "Yahweh", "Thirsty" and "Jesu Jesu". The album features collaborations with M Sugh and Fela Durotoye. Udochukwu Ikwuagwu of the Breaking Times awarded the album 7 stars out of 10, commending its production and Bello's songwriting.

Photography career Bello was the official photographer to former President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure in office; she also does work for Thisday fashion magazine.

2016: Tinie Tempah and a discovery Bello was working in Lagos where she was creating a photo shoot for the British rapper Tinie Tempah. She later discovered that there was a remarkable looking woman in the background. In an attempt to find Olajumoke Orisaguna, she arranged for Orisaguna's picture to appear on the cover of Style magazine.

Humanitarian work Bello organizes an annual photography exhibition to raise funds for orphans in Nigeria. She is also the director of Link-a-child, an NGO dedicated to proliferating information on orphanages in Nigeria and seeking sponsorship on their behalf. In July 2011, Bello was honoured by the non-profit Communication For Change organisation in a five-part documentary film series, titled RedHot.

Personal life Bello is married and gave birth to twin boys named Christian and Christopher on 10 October 2014, which coincidentally marked the release of The Morning Songbook.

Discography Greenland (2008) The Future (2011) The Morning Songbook (2014) Africa Awake (2021) We Are Fire (2022) Heaven Has Come (2023) The Spirit of Light (2024)

Awards and nominations Soundcity Music Video Awards Ref 2009 "Ekundayo" Best Female Video Nigeria Entertainment Awards Ref 2008 Herself Best New Act of the Year The Headies Ref

Recording Artiste of the Year

Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year TY Bello for "Ekundayo" Best Vocal Performance (Female) TY Bello & Abbey for "Greenland" Best Music Video (Director) Creative Industry Awards Ref 2013 Herself Visual Arts