Taio Cruz is an English singer-songwriter, occasional rapper and music producer from Brent, in the United Kingdom. Born Adetayo Ayowale Onile-Ere in 1980, he works in contemporary R&B, dance-pop, electropop, pop and R&B.

Career

Cruz releases his debut single, “I Just Wanna Know”, in 2006 through his own label, Rokstarr Music London, where he is founder and chief executive. In the same year, he also signs a joint-venture deal with Republic Records and Island Records. His debut album, Departure, follows in 2008 and is arranged and produced by Cruz himself.

In 2009 he releases Rokstarr, a follow-up album that includes “Break Your Heart”, his first number one single. He later releases “Hangover” as the first single from his third album, TY.O.

Songwriting and production work

Alongside his own recordings, Cruz writes and produces for other artists. His credits include work for Cheryl Cole, Brandy and the Sugababes. In the UK he also works with Omar, Nitin Sawhney, Wookie and Will Young. Following the success of his own singles, Simon Cowell approaches him to write and produce tracks for Alexandra Burke, Leona Lewis and Shayne Ward.

Awards and recognition

Cruz is a Brit Award winner and receives a MOBO nomination for best single for “She’s Like a Star” at the 2008 MOBO Awards. He performs that song at the ceremony alongside the Sugababes, who appear on the official remix.

Live appearances

In 2010 he performs an intimate acoustic session for London’s Big Top 40, where he also plays songs from Rokstarr including “Dirty Picture” and “Break Your Heart”. In the interview he names Michael Jackson, Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake as dream collaborators, and speaks about working with Britney Spears, Shayne Ward and the Pussycat Dolls.