View source for TY Bello

{{Short description|Nigerian photographer and singer}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| honorific_prefix =
| name             = TY Bello
| honorific_suffix =
| image            = Ty Bello talking iconic photography Nov 2017.png
| image_size       =
| landscape        = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt              =
| caption          = TY Bello in 2017
| birth_name       = Toyin Shokefun
| native_name      =
| native_name_lang =
| alias            =
| birth_date       = 14 January 1978
| birth_place      = [[Ogun State]], Nigeria<ref>{{cite web|last1=Funmi|first1=Johnson|title=I Derive Joy Working With Orphanages ...Toyin Shokefun Bello (TY Bello)|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/3414/3/i-derive-joy-working-with-orphanages-toyin-shokefu.html|publisher=Nigeria Films|access-date=14 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214075149/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/3414/3/i-derive-joy-working-with-orphanages-toyin-shokefu.html|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| origin           =
| death_date       = <!-- {{death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date 1st) -->
| death_place      =
| genre            = [[Gospel music|Gospel]]
| occupation       = {{flatlist|
*Singer-songwriter
*photographer
*philanthropist }}
| instrument       =
| years_active     = 2003–present
| label            =
| associated_acts  = {{flatlist|
*Kush
*[[Lara George]]
*M Sugh
*[[Tara Fela-Durotoye]] }}
| website          = {{URL|tybello.com}}
}}
'''Toyin Sokefun-Bello''' (born 14 January 1978), who is better known as '''TY Bello''', is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, photographer and philanthropist.<ref name="KonnectAfrica">{{cite web|last1=Jennifer|first1=Nkem-Eneanya|title=TY Bello; Speaking Hope through Music & Pictures|url=http://www.konnectafrica.net/ty-bello-speaking-hope-through-music-photography/|publisher=Konnect Africa|access-date=14 February 2015|date=25 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214072817/http://www.konnectafrica.net/ty-bello-speaking-hope-through-music-photography/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 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''.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last1=Gausi|first1=Tamara|title=10 Nigerian iconographers you oughta know|url=http://afripopmag.com/2010/10/10-nigerian-iconographers-you-oughta-know/|publisher=AfriPop|access-date=25 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214071634/http://afripopmag.com/2010/10/10-nigerian-iconographers-you-oughta-know/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> She has released the albums ''Greenland'' (2008), ''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 eventually venturing into [[photography]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TY Bello's Biography & Updated profile – Latest Albums & Songs of TY Bello - Recent Pictures & Videos of TY Bello|url=http://pulse.ng/music/bio-ty-bello-id2789473.html|publisher=Pulse|accessdate=5 December 2014|date=28 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013041022/http://pulse.ng/music/bio-ty-bello-id2789473.html|archive-date=13 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> 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"; the group managed to release an album before disbanding.<ref>{{cite web|title=TY Bello returns to stage after 7yrs|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/ty-bello-returns-to-stage-after-7yrs/|publisher=Vanguard|accessdate=5 December 2014|date=28 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112075355/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/ty-bello-returns-to-stage-after-7yrs/|archive-date=12 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2008–2013:''Greenland'', ''The Future'', The Jubilee Collection and anti-rape campaign===
{{Quote box |quoted=true |bgcolor=#bbccff |salign=center
|quote  = 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.<ref name="KonnectAfrica"/>
|source = -Bello, speaking about her photography and music
|width  = 40%
|align  = right
}}
In 2008, Bello released her debut studio album ''Greenland'', which was produced by Mosa Adegboye and took two years to develop. The album earned her a Nigeria Music Award and a Sound City Award. Bello describes the album as a journey of her everyday life. The album's lyrical content explores themes of love, family and nation. Its title track is an inspirational song written to motivate Nigerians to liberate themselves from a place of despair to a place of hope.<ref name="One Cubed"/>
Bello first revealed plans about her second studio album, ''The Future'', while speaking to ''Ariya Today''.<ref name="Ariya Today">{{cite web|last1=Adelekan|first1=Tayo|title=More On TY Bello’s Forthcoming Album.|url=http://ariyatoday.com/?p=2377|publisher=Ariya Today|accessdate=14 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230062342/http://ariyatoday.com/?p=2377|archive-date=30 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The album 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fawunmi|first1=Tomiwa|title=12 Albums To Buy In 2011|url=http://thenet.ng/2011/01/12-albums-to-buy-in-2011-2/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|accessdate=14 February 2015|date=16 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214054446/http://thenet.ng/2011/01/12-albums-to-buy-in-2011-2/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Bello worked with producer Mosa and recorded the album in a few months.<ref name="Ariya Today"/> On 19 February 2011, she released "The Future" as the lead single from the album of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|title=BN Exclusive – WORLD PREMIERE: Ty Bello returns to music with "The Future"|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/02/19/bn-exclusive-world-premiere-ty-bello-returns-to-music-with-the-future/|publisher=Bellanaija|accessdate=14 February 2015|date=19 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214050440/http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/02/19/bn-exclusive-world-premiere-ty-bello-returns-to-music-with-the-future/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The song urges Nigerian youth to be the change they seek. The [[Kemi Adetiba]]-directed music video for "The Future" was released on 3 April 2011, and features cameo appearances from [[Tara Fela-Durotoye]], [[Sound Sultan]], [[Chude Jideonwo]] and [[Banky W.|Banky W]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Collins|first1=Tadeniawo|title=Video Premiere: ‘The Future’ – TY Bello|url=http://thenet.ng/2011/04/video-premiere-the-future-ty-bello/|publisher=[[Nigeria Entertainment Today]]|accessdate=14 February 2015|date=3 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214053840/http://thenet.ng/2011/04/video-premiere-the-future-ty-bello/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Video: The Future by TY Bello (Featuring cameos from Fela Durotoye, Chude Jideonwo, others)|url=http://www.cp-africa.com/2011/04/03/video-future-ty-bello-featuring-cameos-fela-durotoye-chude-jideonwo/|publisher=CP-Africa|accessdate=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214053109/http://www.cp-africa.com/2011/04/03/video-future-ty-bello-featuring-cameos-fela-durotoye-chude-jideonwo/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fakorede|first1=Ore|title=Video Review: TY Bello delivers The Future|url=http://ynaija.com/video-review-ty-bello-delivers-the-future/|publisher=YNaija|accessdate=14 February 2015|date=4 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214053822/http://ynaija.com/video-review-ty-bello-delivers-the-future/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Osewa|first1=Dapo|title=TY Bello's The Future Is Here ( We are Nigeria ) But What Kind Of Future ?|url=http://saharareporters.com/2011/04/24/nigeria-ty-bellos-future-here-we-are-nigeria-what-kind-future|publisher=Sahara Reporters|accessdate=14 February 2015|date=24 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214054719/http://saharareporters.com/2011/04/24/nigeria-ty-bellos-future-here-we-are-nigeria-what-kind-future|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Makeup brand House of Tara launched The Jubilee Collection, a limited edition line of makeup inspired by the single "The Future".<ref>{{cite web|title=House of Tara introduces "The Jubilee Collection" inspired by Ty Bello|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/03/15/house-of-tara-introduces-the-jubilee-collection-inspired-by-ty-bello/|publisher=Bellanaija|accessdate=14 February 2015|date=15 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214052925/http://www.bellanaija.com/2011/03/15/house-of-tara-introduces-the-jubilee-collection-inspired-by-ty-bello/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2011, Bello was one of the celebrities featured in an eight-minute [[Anti-rape movement|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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lawal|first1=Seyi|title=We stand as one! Youth Minister, TY Bello, Ebuka, others record anti-rape video|url=http://ynaija.com/we-stand-as-one-youth-minister-ty-bello-ebuka-others-record-anti-rape-video/|publisher=YNaija|accessdate=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214061544/http://ynaija.com/we-stand-as-one-youth-minister-ty-bello-ebuka-others-record-anti-rape-video/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=TY-Bello Back with New Single!|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/ty-bello-back-new-single|publisher=Daily Times of Nigeria|accessdate=3 January 2015|date=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214061058/http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/ty-bello-back-new-single|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2014:''The Morning Songbook''===
Bello's third studio album, ''The Morning Songbook'', was released for free [[Music download|digital download]] on [[SoundCloud]] on 10 October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=SURPRISE! Download TY Bello’s New Album – "The Morning Song Book" for FREE|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/10/10/surprise-download-ty-bellos-new-album-the-morning-song-book-for-free/|publisher=Bellanaija|accessdate=18 February 2015|date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218094526/http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/10/10/surprise-download-ty-bellos-new-album-the-morning-song-book-for-free/|archive-date=18 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Showemimo|first1=Dayo|title=TY Bello drops 3rd studio album|url=http://thenet.ng/2014/10/ty-bello-drops-3rd-studio-album/|publisher=Nigeria Entertainment Today|accessdate=18 February 2015|date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214100817/http://thenet.ng/2014/10/ty-bello-drops-3rd-studio-album/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Udochukwu Ikwuagwu of the ''Breaking Times'' awarded the album 7 stars out of 10, commending its production and Bello's songwriting.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ikwuagwu|first1=Udochukwu|title=ALBUM REVIEW: THE MORNING SONGBOOK – TY BELLO|url=http://www.thebreakingtimes.com/album-review-morning-songbook-ty-bello/|publisher=Breaking Times|accessdate=18 February 2015|date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218094423/http://www.thebreakingtimes.com/album-review-morning-songbook-ty-bello/|archive-date=18 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
==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.<ref>{{cite web|title=TY Bello's Biography & Updated profile – Latest Albums & Songs of TY Bello - Recent Pictures & Videos of TY Bello|url=http://pulse.ng/music/bio-ty-bello-id2789473.html|publisher=Pulse|access-date=14 February 2015|date=28 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214062528/http://pulse.ng/music/bio-ty-bello-id2789473.html|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
===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.<ref name=metro>[http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/11/a-woman-selling-bread-got-a-modelling-contract-by-accidentally-photobombing-tinie-tempah-5675402/ A woman selling bread got a modelling contract by accidentally photobombing Tinie Tempah] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223044421/http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/11/a-woman-selling-bread-got-a-modelling-contract-by-accidentally-photobombing-tinie-tempah-5675402/ |date=23 February 2016 }}, 11 February 2016, Scott, Metro, Retrieved 25 February 2016</ref>
==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.<ref name="One Cubed">{{cite web|title=TY Bello Biography|url=http://www.1cubed.com/display.php?ID=324&sectionID=26|publisher=One Cubed|access-date=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214061853/http://www.1cubed.com/display.php?ID=324&sectionID=26|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2011, Bello was honoured by the non-profit Communication For Change organisation in a five-part documentary film series, titled ''RedHot''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stephanie Okereke, Cobhams, TY Bello & others honoured by Communication for Change|url=http://ynaija.com/stephanie-okereke-cobhams-ty-bello-others-honoured-by-communication-for-change/|publisher=YNaija|access-date=13 February 2015|date=11 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214062410/http://ynaija.com/stephanie-okereke-cobhams-ty-bello-others-honoured-by-communication-for-change/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
==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''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Odulaja|first1=Adedayo|title=Breaking: TY Bello delivers twin boys after 9 years of marriage|url=http://thenet.ng/2014/10/breaking-ty-bello-delivers-twin-boys-after-9-years-of-marriage/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=14 February 2015|date=12 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214061449/http://thenet.ng/2014/10/breaking-ty-bello-delivers-twin-boys-after-9-years-of-marriage/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TY Bello Welcomes Twin Boys|url=http://www.channelstv.com/2014/10/13/ty-bello-welcomes-twin-boys/|publisher=[[Channels TV]]|access-date=14 February 2015|date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214071455/http://www.channelstv.com/2014/10/13/ty-bello-welcomes-twin-boys/|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
==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==
{{Expand list|date=February 2015}}
;Soundcity Music Video Awards
{{awards table}}
!Ref
|-
|2009
|"Ekundayo"
|Best Female Video
|{{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Soundcity Music Video Awards 2009 – Nominees|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2009/07/09/soundcity-music-video-awards-2009-nominees/|publisher=Bellanaija|access-date=14 February 2015|date=9 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610212938/http://www.bellanaija.com/2009/07/09/soundcity-music-video-awards-2009-nominees/|archive-date=10 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{end}}
;[[Nigeria Entertainment Awards]]
{{awards table}}
!Ref
|-
|2008
|Herself
|Best New Act of the Year
|{{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2008, Top 7 Moments + Brilliant Looks, Artists & Winners!|url=http://www.ladybrillemag.com/nigeria-entertainment-awards-2008-top-7-moments-brilliant-looks-artists-winners/|publisher=Ladbrille Magazine|access-date=18 February 2015|date=25 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218100239/http://www.ladybrillemag.com/nigeria-entertainment-awards-2008-top-7-moments-brilliant-looks-artists-winners/|archive-date=18 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{end}}
;[[The Headies]]
{{awards table}}
!Ref
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[The Headies 2008|2008]]
|rowspan="2"|Herself
|Recording Artiste of the Year
|{{nom}}
|rowspan="4"|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.modernghana.com/movie/2152/3/the-glitz-rewards-and-flaws-of-hip-hop-world-award.html | title=Glitz and Flaws of HHWA 2008 | publisher=Modern Ghana | access-date=11 March 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055455/http://www.modernghana.com/movie/2152/3/the-glitz-rewards-and-flaws-of-hip-hop-world-award.html | archive-date=4 March 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[The Headies Award for Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year|Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|TY Bello for "Ekundayo"
|[[The Headies Award for Best Vocal Performance (Female)|Best Vocal Performance (Female)]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|TY Bello & Abbey for "Greenland"
|Best Music Video (Director)
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
;Creative Industry Awards
{{awards table}}
!Ref
|-
|2013
|Herself
|Visual Arts
|{{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|last1=Enengedi|first1=Victor|title=Ben Bruce, TY Bello, Basketmouth, others for Creative Industry Awards|url=http://thenet.ng/2013/02/ben-bruce-ty-bello-basketmouth-others-for-creative-industry-awards/|publisher=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=14 February 2015|date=22 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202120730/http://thenet.ng/2013/02/ben-bruce-ty-bello-basketmouth-others-for-creative-industry-awards/|archive-date=2 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{end}}
==See also==
* [[List of Nigerian gospel musicians]]
*[[List of Nigerian women photographers|List of Nigerian Women Photographers]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*{{Official website|https://tybello.com/}}
*[https://soundcloud.com/tybellomusic TY Bello] at [[SoundCloud]]
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bello, TY}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Ogun State]]
[[Category:Nigerian gospel singers]]
[[Category:Nigerian photographers]]
[[Category:Nigerian women photographers]]
[[Category:Nigerian philanthropists]]
[[Category:University of Lagos alumni]]
[[Category:Yoruba-language singers of Nigeria]]
[[Category:English-language singers from Nigeria]]
[[Category:Yoruba women musicians]]
[[Category:Yoruba photographers]]
[[Category:Yoruba women philanthropists]]
[[Category:21st-century Nigerian singers]]
[[Category:1978 births]]