Tonye Garrick

Tonye
Birth name Tamunotonye Nneka Nkiruka Ibiyemi Garrick
Born England, United Kingdom
Origin Lagos, Nigeria
Genres
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, fashion and interior designer
Instruments
Years active 2010–present
Associated acts
Website iamtonye.com
Notable instruments
Acoustic guitar

Tonye Garrick popularly known by her stage name Tonye is an independent female British-born Nigerian singer and songwriter.[1] She shot into limelight in 2010 after her accapella song titled "What About Us?" was used at the Nigerian Youth Presidential debate in 2011.[2] Born in England, Tonye was raised in Paris, Nigeria and the United States of America where she dropped her job as a business consultant to pursue a full-time career in music in 2013.[3] In 2015, she released a marriage-themed single title "Ari Belema" which made her to be nominated in the "Most Promising Act" category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[4]

Growing up

Tonye is a native of Benin City in Edo State, South-South Nigeria. Her name "Tamunotonye" was given to her by her grandmother who is a native of Kalabari, Rivers State.[5] She grew up listening to songs by Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion and Brenda Fassie before she developed her interest in music at the age of 7.[6]

Early life and education

Born in England into the family of an Edo State father who was a diplomat and an Anambra State mother, Tonye had most of her early life in Nigeria, Paris and the United States of America.[7] She attended Vivian Fowler Memorial College and Queen's College, Lagos where she completed her secondary school education.[8] She holds a bachelor's degree in International Business & Fashion Merchandising after graduating from Marymount University.[9]

Career

Prior to picking music as a profession, Tonye had previously worked for UBS Financial and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited as a business analyst. She dropped her corporate job for a career in music in 2013 and went on to release her first official single titled "Were Niyen" which was received to critical acclaim.[10] On 2 October 2014, she released another song produced by Password titled "Criminal" which did well to gain grounds. In 2015, her song titled "Abi Belema" became popular and thus winning her a nomination at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[11] She cites Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Brandy and Aaliyah as her musical influences.[10] In an interview granted to ThisDay Live on 21 June 2014, she said she is working on her debut studio album.[12]

Discography

Selected singles

Awards and nominations

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Year Award ceremony Prize Result
2015 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Most Promising Act Nominated[13]
ELOY Awards Music Artist of The Year Nominated[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Tonye Garrick: the singer getting Nigeria dancing". True Africa. 8 October 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  2. ↑ Badu, Ama (7 January 2015). "Afrobeats Artist Tonye Releases New Promo Photos". GlamAfrica. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  3. ↑ Ajose, Kehinde (29 August 2015). "I left my plum bank job for love of music — Tonye Garrick". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  4. ↑ "The 10th NEA Awards 2015- Nominees List". NotJustOk. 11 June 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  5. ↑ Filani, Sola (21 March 2015). "I would like to date Don Jazzy because… – Tonye Garrick on love and music". YNaija. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  6. ↑ Falode, Tolu (25 September 2015). "Statistic With Tonye Garrick". Genevieve Magazine. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  7. ↑ Okon-Ekong, Nseobong (30 August 2015). "A CHILDHOOD DREAM COMES TRUE". ThisDay Live. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  8. ↑ "Deeva of the Week - TONYE GARRICK". Naija D.E.E.V.A.S. 19 December 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  9. ↑ "I understand my body — Tonye Garrick". The Punch. 14 April 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  10. 1 2 Odukoya, Lanre (9 March 2013). "I Started Singing By Accident". ThisDay Live. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  11. ↑ Obioha, Vanessa (1 March 2015). "Changing the Face of Music". ThisDay Live. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  12. ↑ Showemimo, Adedayo (21 June 2014). "My Father is Not Happy with My Music Career, But...". ThisDay Live. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  13. ↑ Segun, Oleniju (11 June 2015). "Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015 Full Nominations". 36NG. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  14. ↑ Aina, Idris (5 October 2015). "Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Di’ja & More Battle For Glory At The ELOY Awards 2015". Entertainment Rave Magazine. Retrieved 2 February 2016.

External links

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