26/08/2026
Tay Iwar: The Benue-Born Maestro Taking Global Stages by Storm
In a rapidly evolving global music scene, true artistry is often distinguished by its ability to transcend borders while remaining deeply rooted in its origins. For Austin "Tay" Iornongu Iwar, known to the world simply as Tay Iwar, this journey began in the rich cultural soils of Benue State. Born on June 9, 1997, this Tiv-born singer, songwriter, sound engineer, and producer has steadily carved out a name for himself as one of Africa's most distinctive musical voices.
Raised between Lagos and Abuja, Tay’s immersion into the world of sound began at the tender age of fourteen. While his contemporaries were still navigating the early throes of adolescence, Tay was already crafting sonic landscapes.
The Genesis of a Star
Tay Iwar's professional entry into the music industry was marked by the release of his critically acclaimed debut compilation album, Passport, in April 2014. Though initially a sleeper hit, the project showcased his raw, unfiltered talent and earned him nominations at the Nigerian Teens Choice Awards in 2014 and 2015.
He followed this up with the Renascentia EP in 2016, but it was his 2019 debut studio album, Gemini, that truly established him as a force in the alternative R&B and Neo-soul space. The project captivated listeners with its celestial harmonies and introspective lyricism.
Award-Winning Trajectory: The Headies
Tay’s distinct vocal texture and undeniable talent have not gone unnoticed by the most prestigious award platforms in Nigeria. His journey with The Headies—the premier Nigerian music awards—is a testament to his consistent vocal excellence:
2020: He bagged a nomination for Best Vocal Performance (Male) for his evocative track "Utero" off the Gemini album.
2022: His vocal mastery was recognized once again with another nomination for Best Vocal Performance (Male), this time for his soul-stirring single "Peaking".
2026 (Recent): Most recently, his work continues to shine, with nominations at the upcoming 2026 Headies for Best Alternative Song ("Bad Belle") and Best Recording of the Year ("Reflection Station").
The Global Stage: The Grammy Accolades
While he is deeply cherished at home, Tay Iwar’s sound is undeniably global. His mastery caught the attention of Afrobeats giant Wizkid, leading to a collaboration on the sultry track "True Love" (alongside Projexx) for Wizkid’s magnum opus, Made In Lagos (2020).
When the Deluxe version of Made In Lagos was nominated for Best Global Music Album at the 2022 Grammy Awards, Tay Iwar received special recognition from the Recording Academy.
However, his Grammy journey did not stop there. In late 2023, Tay achieved a monumental milestone by securing two additional Grammy nominations. This came from his incredible work on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where he co-produced Burna Boy's emotionally charged track, "Alone".
A Lasting Legacy
From the release of his ethereal EP Love & Isolation in 2021 to his Summer Breeze EP in 2023, Tay Iwar has refused to be boxed into a single genre. He is a visionary who represents the boundless potential of Nigerian youth. For the people of Benue State and beyond, Tay Iwar is more than just a musician; he is a beacon of artistic integrity. As he continues to evolve and break new ground on the international scene, one thing is certain: the boy from Benue has become a global phenomenon, and his story is still being written.
