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]
Active since the early 1990s, he has released numerous singles and remixes in electronic and house music, toured internationally as a DJ, and collaborated with artists across multiple genres.[1] As an actor, Iyamu has appeared in films including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), The Mummy Returns (2001), The Scorpion King (2002), and I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003).[1]
He is the founder of the African Film & Music Award (AFMA).[2][3] A grandson of Oba Akenzua II of the Benin Royal Family, Iyamu has spoken publicly about the importance of family, cultural identity, and African unity.[4] He maintains pride in his Nigerian and Jewish heritage and has used his platform to promote African art, music, and history.[4]
Early life and education
Iyamu was born in Islington, London, to a Nigerian father and a Cypriot Jewish mother.[5][6] His maternal grandfather was Nigerian, while his maternal grandmother came from a Cypriot Jewish background, giving him both African and Jewish heritage.[5]
Through his father, Iyamu is a member of the Benin Royal Family. He is the grandson of Oba Akenzua II (reigned 1933–1978), the 37th Oba of Benin, and the nephew of Princess Elizabeth Olowu, recognized as the first female bronze caster in Nigeria.[5] His uncle is Oba Ewuare II, who became the Oba of Benin in 2016 following the death of Oba Erediauwa.[5] His cousin, Peju Layiwola, is a contemporary African artist and academic noted for her work in cultural heritage and visual art.[5]
Iyamu is the second-born child and first son among six siblings on his mother’s side.[5] From an early age, Iyamu was introduced to music, citing influences such as George Duke and Earth, Wind & Fire.[7] At the age of four, his family relocated to Nigeria, where he completed his primary education before attending a military academy. He later obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy.[5] Although trained in aeronautical engineering, Over time, his passion for music and performance grew alongside an interest in acting. In 1988, he moved to London to pursue a career in both fields, later expanding his work as a DJ, music producer, and actor.[8]
Career
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] The five-track project received positive attention from listeners and critics, with commentary noting his versatility in blending Afrobeat, Amapiano, and electronic dance influences.[45] 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.[45] The title track, Lifestyle, drew particular attention for its Amapiano-inspired sound.[45]
Following its release, the project trended on Audiomack and secured regular airplay across radio stations in the United Kingdom and Africa.[46] 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.[46]
Writing
In 2015, Iyamu launched his first book titled The Players Code which was intended as a less predatory take on pickup artistry.[47]
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.[47]
Outside of franchise films, he also acted in Tom & Thomas (2002), a Dutch–British family drama directed by Esmé Lammers.[50]
Public Image
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.[51]
Iyamu has set up a charity with the purpose of helping young people to start their own businesses.[52] 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.[53] 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.[54]
Personal life
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.[55]
In February 2021, Iyamu experienced personal losses when his step-brother died, followed shortly by the passing of his father five days later.[56]
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