Toyin Sokefun-Bello popularly called TY Bello has won the NET Honours 2022 ‘Most Popular Photographer’ beating other gifted photographers, Amazing Klef, Emmanuel Oyeleke, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Mofe Bamuyiwa, and Henry OJI who were nominated in the same category, to hold the prestigious award.
Based on verified data, NET Honours is a special recognition award presented to deserving individuals in the Nigerian entertainment industry. For the Awards’ Class of 2022, NET Honours introduced 15 new voting categories including ‘Most Popular Photographer.
Michael Orodare, the Editorial Lead at ID Africa, says, “Building on the success of NET Honours in the last six years, we believe it is also important to recognise the great works of other creatives who mostly work behind the scenes and rarely get the commendation they deserve. This is why we are introducing 15 new categories, and we are excited that this year, fans now have even more power to also choose their favourites in these new categories.”
Born January 14, 1978, TY Bello is an indigene of Ogun State. She obtained a degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, and briefly practised journalism.
TYBello came into the limelight in the early 2000s as a member of the now-defunct music group, Kush. She was known for her hit single “Greenland” in 2005, which captured the beautiful faces of many young people. She took to photography after the disbandment of her music group.
A member of the Nigerian photography collective, Depth of Field, TY Bello built a reputation as a talented artist. She shot photos of many public figures including, the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and Nigerian entrepreneur and author, Ibukun Awosika. TY Bello was also the official photographer for former President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure in office.
In the vote for the NET Honours Class of 2022 ‘Most Popular Designer’ category featuring over 6,000 respondents, TY Bello polled 28.3% of fans’ votes. She was closely trailed by Amazing Klef with 25.5% votes.
Speaking on the objectives of NET Honours, Femi Falodun, CEO of ID Africa, owners of NETng, Neusroom, 234Star, and Orin, said, “The platform [NET Honours] is a valuable source of insights for brands, organisations and governments that are trying to understand young Africans and their digital media consumption habits.”
See the full list of winners here.
