Who Is Taves?
Taves is a Nigerian singer and songwriter whose real name is Toluwanimi Aluko. He was born in 2003 and is known for a distinct music style. His genres include R&B, Afropop, and soul.
The table below lists key biographical facts about Taves. The first column names the category. The second column gives the recorded detail.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stage name | Taves |
| Real name | Toluwanimi Aluko |
| Birth year | 2003 |
| Birthplace | Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
| Hometown | Ibadan, Oyo State |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter |
| Genres | R&B, Afropop, soul |
| Labels | To Your Ears Entertainment, Atlantic Records UK |
| Breakthrough | 2022 cover of BNXN’s “For Days” |
What Is Taves’ Real Name and Age?
Taves’ real name is Toluwanimi Aluko, and he was born in 2003. Billboard named him African Rookie of the Month for March 2025, when he was 21 years old. Sources do not agree on an exact birth date, so only the year is listed here.
Where Was Taves Born and Raised?
Taves was born in Port Harcourt and raised mainly in Ibadan. In an interview with The Culture Custodian, he said he lived in Port Harcourt for a couple of years and moved to Ibadan around age 8. Some biography sites list Ibadan as his birthplace. His own account places his birth in Port Harcourt.
He completed his elementary and secondary education in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Which Artists Influenced Taves’ Music?
Asa is the artist who influenced Taves most. His father played her music on long road trips between Ibadan and Port Harcourt, and Taves knew every Asa song and lyric by heart. Her guitar playing led him to teach himself the instrument.
He also named other influences in interviews. Examples include:
- Khalid
- Ed Sheeran
- Trippie Redd
- Remy Baggins
- Nonso Amadi
- The Weeknd
He began writing songs at age 8 or 9.
How Did Taves Start His Music Career?
Taves began his music career in 2019 with his first studio session and a debut EP. His brother booked the session, and the EP The Nest: First Day Out followed that year. He released 17 in 2020 and 18 in 2021.
His early career followed 4 steps:
- Write songs from age 8 or 9.
- Post cover videos of songs on Instagram.
- Record the first EP in 2019.
- Release two more EPs in 2020 and 2021.
His covers included CKay’s “Beggie Beggie,” Tems’ “Found,” Psycho YP and Tomi Agape’s “Maria,” and Lojay’s “Moto.”
How Did the “For Days” Cover Change Taves’ Career?
The 2022 cover of BNXN’s “For Days” became his breakthrough. The cover caught the attention of the original singer. The two met less than a week later, and Taves later signed to BNXN’s label, To Your Ears Entertainment.
Taves said he delayed recording the video for the cover for about two months before releasing it. BNXN then joined his artist development for about a year before the signing.
[Internal link: BNXN Biography]
When Did Taves Sign With Atlantic Records?
Taves signed with Atlantic Records UK in 2023. That same year he appeared on BNXN’s debut studio album, Sincerely, Benson. Atlantic Records began talks with him in early summer 2023 after hearing his song “Eleyele.”
The 2023 deal followed 3 milestones:
- Covering “For Days” in 2022
- Joining To Your Ears Entertainment
- Releasing “Eleyele”
What Are Taves’ Major Releases?
Taves has released 4 EPs and several singles between 2019 and 2024. The table below lists his main releases by year, title, and type.
| Year | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Nest: First Day Out | EP |
| 2020 | 17 | EP |
| 2021 | 18 | EP |
| 2023 | Eleyele | Single |
| 2024 | Bodija | Single |
| 2024 | Folake | Single |
| 2024 | Are You Listening? | EP |
What Is the “Are You Listening?” EP?
“Are You Listening?” was released on 12 July 2024 as an Atlantic Records UK release. It has 8 songs and runs 21 minutes. The opening track is “Bad Romance,” which blends R&B into Afrobeats. BNXN is the only guest on the EP, and “Folake” is its lead single.
What Is the Music Style of Taves?
Taves performs R&B, Afropop, and soul, and he avoids a single genre label. He has stayed with R&B despite the dominance of Afrobeats in the Nigerian market. He has said in interviews that he does not want to be placed in a box.
His songs draw on personal experience. He said every song he has released comes from something he went through.
What Recognition Has Taves Received?
Billboard named Taves African Rookie of the Month for March 2025. The recognition followed the success of his single “Folake.” Other career markers include:
- Signing with Atlantic Records UK in 2023
- Appearing on BNXN’s debut studio album
- Releasing an 8-song EP through Atlantic Records UK
People Also Ask About Taves
What is Taves’ real name?
His real name is Toluwanimi Aluko.
Who discovered Taves?
BNXN noticed Taves after his 2022 cover of “For Days” and later signed him to To Your Ears Entertainment.
What genre does Taves perform?
Taves performs R&B, Afropop, and soul.
What record label is Taves signed to?
Taves is signed to To Your Ears Entertainment and Atlantic Records UK.
What is Taves’ most recent EP?
His most recent EP in this biography is “Are You Listening?,” released on 12 July 2024.
What Is the Summary of Taves’ Biography?
Taves is a Nigerian singer and songwriter whose real name is Toluwanimi Aluko. He was born in 2003, raised mainly in Ibadan, and inspired by Asa. His 2022 “For Days” cover led to a deal with To Your Ears Entertainment and a 2023 Atlantic Records UK signing. His 2024 EP “Are You Listening?” is his latest project covered here.