Renowned photographer and singer, Toyin Sokefun-Bello, popularly known as TY Bello, has made some interesting revelations about her childhood friend and former bandmate, Emem Ema.
The photographer beautifully described Emem as she clocks 40 today saying the relationship started over 20 years ago.
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TY Bello said Emem gave life to her photography dream when it was only a whisper and the idea had not yet crystallized.
In a series of posts on her Instagram page, TY Bello poured encomium on the birthday girl and summarised the roles Emem had played in her life.
WuzupNaija reports that prior to pursuing their solo career, TY Bello and Emem were members of the defunct gospel band Kush.
TY Bello wrote;
“EMEM EMA at 40: One way to know when a friend is good for you? Watch out for what they do when your dream is still a whisper.. when your next idea hasn’t crystallized..
“20 years ago .. I ‘whispered’ about ‘maybe ‘ wanting to be a photographer.. @vzhun did the first big thing anyone ever did for my photography .. she gave me a photography book.
“Her late dad was the famous artist Iyang Ema.. madam went into his library and found me a book on photography .. Now you have to understand how big a deal this is ..
“I didn’t have access to the internet at the time .. this book was the only dream seed .. I saw the word ‘aperture ‘ for the first time .. I didn’t understand what that was … didn’t understand the book but I read it cover to cover countless times ..
“Emem ema helped me get started in photography before anyone did.
“Emem knows how to make things happen .. because she’s a dreamer -doer.. we use to freestyle in the room I was squatting at (i didn’t ha accommodation in Unilag for two years .. slept in class and perched with friends pretty much ).. next thing you know we’re publicly making music .. recording in a studio … becoming a band with @larageorgemusic and @dapotorimiro .. sending songs to my brother @gbengasokefun next thing you know we’re getting a record deal in the United States .. and on and on our story goes ..
“Emem ema .. the shy ( believe me she actually is )super smart .. .. always minding her own business ..( apart from when she’s low key subbing you under her breath ??) workaholic.. (knows where the money is at ).. forward thinking .. forever loyal… gentle and kindhearted .. tomboyish forever..
“God loving ..media mogul with a mad sense of humour…this girl I’ve known since she was 15 is now 40… It’s hard to believe.. how much time has passed but I’m grateful for the gift that you are ..thank you for being so awesome! #tybellophotography #makeup by the magician herself .. @bimpeonakoya #hair by Mrsoji and myself.”
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