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Thompson Iyamu

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Prince
Thompson Iyamu
Born (1968-10-22) 22 October 1968 (age 57)
Islington, London, England
Other namesP Tee Money, The African Drake
CitizenshipBritish, Nigerian
Alma materNigerian Defence Academy
OccupationsDJ/EDM, producer, actor, author, entrepreneur, Singer and Remixer
Years active1990s–present
Known forFounder & CEO, African Film & Music Award
TitlePrince of Edo Kingdom
SpouseWendy Tingling (Married 2013)
Children3
Relatives
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals, Synthesizer, Personal Computer, MIDI controller, Drum Machine, Sampler, Mixer
LabelP Tee Money Music
Websitepteemoneymusic.com

Thompson Iyamu (born 22 October 1968), known by his stage name P Tee Money, is a British DJ, producer and actor known for his music and film.[1] He is also a singer, remixer and author.[1]

Iyamu's career spans electronic dance music, Afrobeat, and film. Emerging in the early 1990s, he first gained recognition as a DJ before expanding his work into music production, remixing, recording, and acting.[1] He has toured internationally as a DJ, and collaborated with artists across multiple genres.[1]

Alongside his music career, Iyamu has appeared in international motion pictures, including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), The Mummy Returns (2001), The Scorpion King (2002), and I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003).[1]

Iyamu is the founder of the African Film & Music Award (AFMA) and a member of the Benin Royal Family.[2][3] He is a grandson of Oba Akenzua II who reigned as Oba of Benin from 1933 to 1978, the nephew of Oba Ewuare II, the current Oba of Benin, and the nephew of Princess Elizabeth Olowu, a pioneering Nigerian sculptor.[4]

Early life and education

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Iyamu was born in Islington, London to a Cypriot Jewish mother and a Nigerian father.[5][6] His maternal grandfather was Nigerian, and his mother comes from a Cypriot Jewish heritage.[5] He is the first son and second born out of six siblings from his mother. He is also a member of the Benin Royal Family as the grandson of Akenzua II and nephew of Princess Elizabeth Olowu. He was introduced to music at a young age, with early influences including George Duke and Earth, Wind & Fire.[7]

At the age of four, his family moved to Nigeria where he completed his primary school, then was moved to a military academy. He received a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He later moved to London in 1988.[8]

Career

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Photo on set of the Track "Tomorrow" from the EP Lifestyle 2025

Iyamu adopted the stage name P Tee Money at the beginning of his career as a DJ in the early 1990s.[9][10][11] During this period, he toured across the United Kingdom alongside female rap artist Weird MC, performing extensively throughout the latter half of 1990 and into 1991.[12][13][14] Over time, he refined his musical style, gravitating towards progressive house, a genre noted for its rhythmic complexity and melodic layering.[15][16] His evolving sound and dynamic performances earned him recognition within the UK’s electronic music scene.[17][18]

Iyamu later expanded into music production, releasing several albums and singles. His work incorporates a range of styles, most notably electronic dance music and Afrobeat, often blending elements of both in his productions.[19][20] He has collaborated with a number of international artists and has produced remixes in addition to his own original tracks.[21]

In 2018, Iyamu collaborated with producers Matthew S and Dirty Freek on a remix album of the song "When I Came Up"[22][23] with Bon Villan, a Toronto-based indie electronic trio group.[24] On 8 September 2019 Iyamu and Morocco-based producer Yeves released a Dance Album; Bass Trouble which he co-wrote and co-produced.[25]

On 16 May 2020 he released a single; Make some noise[26] during the COVID-19 pandemic period which generated over 50,000 streams in the first week of release.[27] On 22 July 2020 he released a new album; You Don't Care. One of the songs from the album contained an up-tempo beat that was influenced by music from the 1980s which featured Addie Nicole.[28][29]

In November 2020, he released a new Afro beat single Overdose on Freshness collaborating with Pat-E, which he co-produced.[30][31] On 1 January 2021 he released a new single titled Scream Out Loud (Banger Mix).[32] On 12 March 2021 he released a new Spanish single titled Vamonos.[33]

On 28 May 2021 Iyamu was featured on DJ S’ Tingling EP which he also co-produced and was released through his record label P Tee Money Music.[34] On 4 July 2021 he released a new afro-beat sing titled Caterpillar.[35][36]

On 21 August 2021, he released a new single OOzing featuring Pat-E.[37] On 3 February 2022, he came back with a new single 360 on the highway.[38]

Iyamu released his 8th EP Album, Tungba, on 17 November 2022 which contains the singles, Overdose on freshness and Money (featuring P at-E).[39][40] On 14 January 2023 he released a new single Do ki Do. [41] Shortly after he released a single Come to Daddy on 31 August 2023.[42][43] On 7 June 2024 he released a new single title Low waist.[44]

On 12 September 2025, Iyamu released his ninth extended play, Lifestyle.[45] [46] The five-track project received positive attention from listeners and critics, with commentary noting his versatility in blending Afrobeat, Amapiano, and electronic dance influences.[47][48] The EP features tracks such as Tomorrow, described as combining a reflective message with an upbeat rhythm, and No Space, which was noted for its futuristic production style.[49] The title track, Lifestyle, drew particular attention for its Amapiano-inspired sound.[50]

Following its release, the project trended on Audiomack and secured regular airplay across radio stations in the United Kingdom and Africa.[51] Coverage emphasized the EP as a further demonstration of Iyamu’s ability to bridge African and international sounds, continuing his trajectory as both a producer and recording artist.[51]

Writing

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In 2015, Iyamu launched his first book titled The Players Code which was intended as a less predatory take on pickup artistry.[52]

In 2016, he released another book titled The Players Code Unleashed. He has also written series of erotic romance novels. In 2019 Iyamu published two more books Being Whit You and Wild Seduction, adding to his series of collections.[52]

Acting

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Thompson Iyamu with Arnold Vosloo on The Mummy Returns set 2001

Iyamu has appeared in several international motion pictures. He played a supporting role in I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003), a British crime drama directed by Mike Hodges and starring Clive Owen. In Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), he appeared alongside Angelina Jolie in the Paramount Pictures adaptation of the popular video game franchise.

He was also featured in The Mummy video game (2000),[53] followed by an appearance in the live-action sequel The Mummy Returns (2001), which introduced Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in his film debut and starred Arnold Vosloo as the resurrected high priest Imhotep. Iyamu later appeared in The Scorpion King (2002), a spin-off from The Mummy franchise, co-starring Johnson and Academy Award–nominated actor Michael Clarke Duncan.[54]

Outside of franchise films, he also acted in Tom & Thomas (2002), a Dutch–British family drama directed by Esmé Lammers.[55]

Public Image

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Upon releasing his new single, 360 on the highway, Iyamu has been described by social media influencers and news medias as The most searched African celebrity on Google.[56]

In 2025, Iyamu’s growing international recognition led to further media attention. The Sun Nigeria, and Vanguard Nigeria all referred to him as The African Drake, a nickname attributed to his multicultural background and his genre-blending sound that fuses Afrobeat, EDM, and pop influences.[51] The comparison reflects his identity as a British entertainer of Jewish and African royal descent and his reputation for visually ambitious music projects.[51] His AI-powered futuristic videos have been highlighted by entertainment media for their advanced special effects and creative direction, further reinforcing his cross-cultural influence and innovative approach to African music.[51]

Books

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  • Being Whit You ISBN 9781513647975
  • Wild Seduction ISBN 9781635870657
  • The Players Code ISBN 9781483552675
  • The Players Code Unleashed ISBN 9781483585987

Discography

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Albums

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Year Album
2017 Rebirth
2017 Bounce
2018 Sandstorm
2018 I'm Not Afraid
2019 I Won't Stop
2019 Bass Trouble
2020 You Don't Care
2022 Tungba
2025 Lifestyle

Collaboration albums

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Year Title Artists
2018 When I Came Up (Remixes) Bon Villan
2019 Bass Trouble P Tee Money & Yeves
2021 Dominium DJ S' Tingling
2022 Fight To Death: Rematch Sappho
2024 2024 Countdown in the Sky (Remixes) Sappho

Singles

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Year Title Artists
2017 Lights out P Tee Money
2017 Good Time P Tee Money
2017 Free your mind P Tee Money (feat. Aqua)
2017 Heat Up P Tee Money
2017 No Sweat P Tee Money
2017 Wind it Up (Remix) P Tee Money
2017 Shake That P Tee Money
2017 Drop P Tee Money
2017 I Got You P Tee Money
2017 Wind it Up P Tee Money
2018 Tropical Dream P Tee Money
2018 The Face in my dreams P Tee Money (feat. Addie Nicole)
2018 You are my one P Tee Money (feat. Nina Storey)
2018 The Swagg P Tee Money
2018 Everytime P Tee Money
2018 Attention P Tee Money (feat, Rasheed)
2018 Summer 2005 P Tee Money
2019 Time is the greatest healer P Tee Money
2019 Drown P Tee Money (feat. Smoothie)
2019 Global P Tee Money (feat. Pat-E)
2019 Money P Tee Money (feat. Pat-E)
2019 Her Body P Tee Money
2020 I Don't wonna know P Tee Money (feat. Addie Nicole)
2020 Finders Keepers P Tee Money (feat. Smoothie)
2020 Make Some Noise P Tee Money
2020 Overdose on Freshness P Tee Money & Pat-E
2021 Scream Out Loud (Banger Mix) P Tee Money
2021 Vamonos P Tee Money
2021 Caterpillar P Tee Money
2021 OOzing P Tee Money feat, Pat- E
2022 360 on the highway P Tee Money
2022 Dumsor P Tee Money
2022 Do Ki Do P Tee Money
2023 In Need Of You P Tee Money
2023 Come To Daddy P Tee Money
2024 Low Waist P Tee Money

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Notes
2001 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Special Forces Team Supporting Role
2001 The Mummy Returns Pharaoh's guard Featured Dwayne Johnson’s film debut
2002 Tom & Thomas Window Shopper Directed by Esmé Lammers
2002 The Scorpion King Ambush Bandit Franchise Film
2003 I'll Sleep When I'm Dead Street Pimp British Crime Drama

Video games

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Year Title Voice Role
2000 The Mummy (video game) Pharaoh's guard

Philanthropy

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Iyamu has set up a charity with the purpose of helping young people to start their own businesses.[57] He is known for helping some of his fans who need help paying for their college tuition, and he has opened a charity for this purpose.[58] He is responsible for providing for some of the youths from the village he supports in Edo state, Nigeria with free education, through his financial donations.[59]

Personal life

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Iyamu keeps his personal life relatively private. He is married to Wendy Tingling and is a father. He has spoken publicly about the importance of family, and has expressed pride in both his Nigerian and Jewish heritage, often advocating for African unity.[60]

In February 2021, Iyamu experienced personal losses when his step-brother died, followed shortly by the passing of his father five days later.[61]

Iyamu’s wife, Wendy Tingling, also known professionally as Ms P Tee Money, is active within the beauty, fashion, and entertainment sectors.[62] She has been profiled by notable media outlets, including Independent Nigeria and Vanguard Nigeria, for her elegance and influence in the creative industry.[62][63] Together, the couple have been described as a power duo in the British-African entertainment scene, frequently appearing at cultural and philanthropic events.[64]

His late mother, Evelyn Hannah Oba, was of mixed Jewish-Cypriot and Nigerian heritage. Iyamu has credited his multicultural background for shaping his worldview and artistic expression.[65] He continues to advocate for cultural unity, youth empowerment, and creative arts development through his philanthropic initiatives across Africa and the diaspora.[66]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "UK-based DJ Won't Stop Cruising in New Album". This Day. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  2. ^ "UK to host African Film and Music Awards". guardian.ng. 27 February 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  3. ^ Emmanuel Okogba (21 August 2018). "P Tee Money: The brain behind African Film and Music Award". vanguardngr.com. Vanguard. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  4. ^ Emmanuel Okogba. "Being born into royalty is opportunity to inspire, lead – P Tee Money". vanguardngr.com. Vanguard. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Singer, P Tee Money buys brand new Bentley for his mother". vanguardngr.com. Vanguard. 8 January 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  6. ^ Sola Adeyemo,"P Tee Money set to drop highly anticipated Afrobeat album in 2025". pmnewsnigeria.com. Vanguard. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
  7. ^ "P Tee's dazzling style set Morocco on fire". sunnewsonline.com. 13 October 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  8. ^ "Everyone Must Endure The Hardships In Every Aspect Of Their Life. P Tee Money". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. 18 October 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  9. ^ Emmanuel Okogba (21 February 2022). "P Tee Money comes out with new single". vanguardngr.com. Vanguard. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  10. ^ Jenna Melanson (2 November 2018). "PREMIERE – Bon Villan unveils "When I Came Up (Remixes)". canadianbeats.ca. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  11. ^ "PTee Money extends hand of charity". vanguardngr.com. Vanguard. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  12. ^ "DJs can do more than mix songs – P Tee Money". punchng.com. The Punch. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  13. ^ Eniola Daniel (2 November 2019). "I Won't Stop, New Album From P Tee Money". guardian.ng. Guardian. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  14. ^ Chuks Nwanne,"Coronavirus: P Tee Money Cancels Music Tours". guardian.ng. Guardian. 21 March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  15. ^ Bolatito Adebola (11 August 2018). "Unfolding P Tee Money, The AFMA Creator". independent.ng. Independent. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  16. ^ "Artistes should step out of comfort zones to grow — P Tee Money". punchng.com. The Punch. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  17. ^ "Royal Rhythms: P Tee Money's 'Lifestyle' Album Redefines Global Sound". pmnewsnigeria.com. 6 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  18. ^ Moshood Ehinlawo,"Top Nigerian DJs based in the UK". newtelegraphng.com. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  19. ^ Ernest Nzor,"British-Nigerian Royal, P Tee Money, blends heritage with artistry in global entertainment scene". guardian.ng. 2 July 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  20. ^ Shojobi Abisola,"P Tee Money's Upcoming Album "Lifestyle" Promises Afrobeat, Amapiano, Deep Personal Vibes". independent.ng. 6 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  21. ^ Shojobi Abisola,"P Tee Money set for a groundbreaking 2025 with new album, films, and global tour". pmnewsnigeria.com. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  22. ^ "UK-based DJ PTee Money drops album". thenationonlineng.net. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  23. ^ "P Tee Money teams up Moroccan singer for Global". punchng.com. The Punch. 15 October 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  24. ^ "When I Came Up (Remixes) Bob Villan". music.apple.com. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  25. ^ "Bass Trouble P Tee Money & Yeves". music.apple.com. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  26. ^ Adeyinka Adeniji,"#MakeSomeNoise: P Tee Money Thrills Fans With New Hit Mix". independent.ng. 6 June 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  27. ^ Segun Adebayo,"P Tee Money's 'Make Some Noise' Reaches 50,000 Streams". tribuneonlineng.com. 7 July 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  28. ^ "You Don't Care by P Tee Money". music.apple.com. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  29. ^ Kola Muhammed"P Tee Money Opens New Chapter With Album 'You Don't Care'". tribuneonlineng.com. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  30. ^ "Overdose on Freshness - Single". iTunes. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  31. ^ "P Tee Money – "Overdose On Freshness" ft. Pat-E". tooxclusive.com. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  32. ^ "P Tee Money – Scream out Loud (Banger Mix) - Single". iTunes. Retrieved 14 July 2021.[dead link]
  33. ^ "Vámonos - Single". iTunes. Retrieved 14 July 2021.[dead link]
  34. ^ "Dominium - EP by DJ S' Tingling on Apple Music". music.apple.com. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  35. ^ "P Tee Money breaks grounds with new single". vanguardngr.com. 13 July 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  36. ^ "P Tee Money – "Caterpillar"". tooxclusive.com. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  37. ^ Tomiwa,"P Tee Money – "Oozing" ft. Pat-E". tooxclusive.com. 22 August 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  38. ^ Tommy,"P Tee Money, The Most Searched on Google, Drops A New Hot Vibe "360 on the Highway'"". tooxclusive.com. 15 February 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  39. ^ "Tungba - EP - P Tee Money". music.apple.com. 12 November 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  40. ^ "P Tee Money Sounds More Inspired than ever before with new EP Tungba". guardian.ng. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  41. ^ "Do Ki Do - Single - P Tee Money". music.apple.com. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  42. ^ "Come to Daddy - Single (feat. Pate) - Single - P Tee Money". music.apple.com. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  43. ^ Segun Adebayo,"P Tee Money drops new single, 'Come to Daddy'". tribuneonlineng.com. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  44. ^ "Low Waist - Single - P Tee Money". music.apple.com. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  45. ^ "'Lifestyle' EP by P Tee Money dominates airwaves, audiomack trends". vanguardngr.com. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  46. ^ "P Tee Money Breaks New Ground With Africa's First Futuristic AI Music Video". thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  47. ^ Peter Anayo,""Lifestyle" EP proves P Tee Money is Trendsetter of 2025". championnews.com.ng. 25 September 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  48. ^ Michael Adesina,"How P Tee Money's lifestyle EP sparked a global dance craze". pmnewsnigeria.com. 23 September 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  49. ^ "P Tee Money drops Africa's first futuristic AI video". thesun.ng. 22 September 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  50. ^ "Lifestyle' By P Tee Money: A Five-Track EP That Refuses To Stand Still". kbla1580.com. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  51. ^ a b c d e "P Tee Money Sets the Tone with "Lifestyle" – A Five-Track EP Shaking Up September 2025". thesun.ng. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  52. ^ a b "The unknown co-brain behind AFMA, P Tee Money". dailytimes.ng. Daily Times of Nigeria. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  53. ^ "The Mummy (2000 Video Game) Full Cast & Crew". imdb.com. IMDb. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  54. ^ "The Scorpion King (2002)Full Cast and Crew". imdb.com. IMDb. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  55. ^ "Tom & Thomas (2002)Full Cast & Crew". imdb.com. IMDb. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  56. ^ "Most searched African celeb on Google, P T Money, comes out with new banger". guardian.ng. The Guardian (Nigeria). 13 March 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  57. ^ "Covid 19: Over 150 youths benefit from P Tee Money's philanthropy". sunnewsonline.com. 8 June 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  58. ^ Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi,"UK based singer reaches out to orphanage". thenationonlineng.net. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  59. ^ "I don't like to see my fans suffering – P Tee Money". punchng.com. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  60. ^ "P Tee Money, Ms P Tee Money celebrate love, legacy, lifestyle". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  61. ^ "P Tee pays tribute to deceased father, brother". guardian.ng. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  62. ^ a b Shojobi Abisola,"Ms P Tee Money Dazzles at the African British Celebrity Awards". Independent Nigeria. 2 November 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  63. ^ "Ms P Tee Money receives top fashion and beauty honour". Vanguard Nigeria. 5 October 2025. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  64. ^ "Ms P Tee Money Lights Up the Night Supporting Daddy Showkey at the African British Celebrity Awards". thisdaylive.com. 9 November 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  65. ^ "P Tee Money: The Half-Jewish, Half-African Prince Bridging Worlds with Royal Grace & Global Sound". Champion News. 2 November 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  66. ^ "Being born into royalty is opportunity to inspire, lead – P Tee Money". Vanguard Nigeria. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
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