Cart 0
Toyin Sokefun Bello popularly known as TY Bello is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, photographer, and philanthropist. She is a multi-talented young woman and a role model to upcoming photographers and music lovers. TY Bello’s work is recognized both nationally and internationally.
TY Bello was born on the 14th of January, 1978 in Ogun State to the late Remi Sokefun. Her father, Remi Sokefun was a famous TV producer. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and is a member of the Nigerian photography collective, Depth of Field. TY was a member of the non-extant urban gospel band – Kinetically Ushering Salvation into Hearts and Homes (KUSH).
The beauty married Kashetu Bello in 2009 and they are blessed with twin boys, Christian and Christopher.
TY Bello as Singer and Songwriter:
TY Bello was part of the music team of her childhood church, Revival Word Church where they compose songs for the next Sunday service from the previous sermon. We can say this is where she honed her writing and singing skills and being the youngest in the group did not deter her from writing songs. She was indeed brave.
While TY Bello was an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, this skill never departed from her as she continued to compose and sing with Lara George, Dayo Torimiro, and Emen Ema. The four later formed the now-defunct band KUSH. The band came into the spotlight with their single, Let’s Live Together in the early 2000s. Ty Bello became a solo singer after her band dissolved.
Her first debut solo album titled Greenland was released in 2008. The album was a success and earned her two prestigious awards. TY explained that Greenland describes her everyday journey in life.
TY Bello as a Photographer:
She started photography when her band disbanded, at a time when photography was not thought of as a profession. TY Bello has gone ahead to create an enabling environment and platforms for upcoming photographers to showcase their work.
She majors in portrait photography, even though she still does documentary and conceptual photography. Her works are usually iconic and arouse strong emotions from fans of her work.
Photography has taken her to the corridors of power as she has photographed three sitting presidents and was the official photographer for the former president, Goodluck Jonathan. TY Bello has also photographed the high and mighty A-list celebrities.
TY Bello’s humanitarian service:
Ty Bello is passionate about helping the less privileged, orphans, and children. She organizes an annual photography exhibition to raise funds for orphans across the country. She is also a member of Link-A-Child, a non-governmental organization (NG0) responsible for creating rapid awareness for orphanages in Nigeria and seeking sponsorships for them. She also advocates for women’s rights and fights against gender-based violence. TY met with the United Nations Deputy Secretary, General Amina Mohammed in 2017 and they spoke extensively on what can be done to curb violence against women.
