Thyra Kigho Deshaun Oji: Biography, Early Life, Family, Education, Career, and Achievements

Who is Thyra Kigho Deshaun Oji? Flash Uganda Media looks at her biography, age, husband, family, career, work and experience, relationship with Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra, Naira Marley, Eurovision Song Contest, early life and education of the Nigerian-British rapper.

Thyra Kigho Deshaun Oji, also known as Ms. Banks, was born on 13 April 1994. She is a Nigerian-British rapper, singer, and songwriter. 

Ms. Banks has released several music projects throughout her career. Her first mixtape, Once Upon a Grind, came out in 2014, marking the beginning of her releases under the Ms. Banks name.

Two years later, she released her debut EP, New Chapter. She released The Coldest Winter Ever in 2018, followed by The Coldest Winter Ever Part II in 2019.

In 2023, Ms. Banks took part in the opening performance of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, appearing alongside Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra.

Early life and family

She is of mixed descent, having a Ugandan mother and Nigerian father. She spent the early part of her childhood on Walworth Road in Elephant and Castle.

She has worked hard to build her music career and is respected by fellow artists because she has been in the industry for quite a while, something that has made her rap music quite unique.

During a 2021 interview with VIPER Magazine, Ms Banks spoke about how her Ugandan and Nigerian roots have shaped different aspects of her identity.

Ms Banks says that her Ugandan upbringing influenced her mannerisms, while her Nigerian background played a greater role in shaping her musical tastes. She credits her mother so much for encouraging her to embrace both cultures and represent her African heritage.

Today, these cultural influences are reflected in her music.

She looks up to the famous rapper and musician Nicki Minaj. Ms Banks says Nicki is her biggest musical inspiration. She also draws inspiration from other artists like Ms Dynamite, Estelle, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, and Beyoncé.

Key Career Highlights

Ms Banks has released five mixtapes that are available in digital download and streaming formats.

Her first mixtape was,

• Once Upon a Grind was released in 2014 as a digital download and for streaming, independently. 
• She followed it with The Coldest Winter Ever on 27 April 2018 and The Coldest Winter Ever, Pt. 2 on 12 December 2019, both of which were self-released. 
• In 2022, she released the Bank Statement on 22 July, also independently. 
• Her latest mixtape, South LDN Lover Girl, was released on 13 March 2026 under the Believe label.

Singles released as a lead Artist 

• Ms Banks began releasing music as a lead artist in 2017 with three singles: Get Loose, Omg and Vibez.

• In 2018, she released R.I.P., featuring Loski, which appeared on her mixtape The Coldest Winter Ever.

• Her releases continued in 2019 with Remember the Name, followed by several tracks featured on The Coldest Winter Ever, Pt. 2. These included Hood Btch*, Snack, featuring Kida Kudz, Back It Up, featuring Geko, and Bad B Bop.

• In 2020, she collaborated with Flyo on Still The Best, which appeared on Supafly Strikes Again. She also teamed up with Naira Marley for Anywhere. Other singles released around this period included Novikov, Nothin’ on Me, featuring Phil Speiser and Wow Jones, and You Don’t Know.

• In 2021, Ms Banks added more collaborations to her catalogue, releasing Pull Up with K-Trap and Dip alongside Stefflon Don. 

• She also released Go Low. Her 2022 releases included Party, featuring Naira Marley, and Typa Way, a collaboration with Tion Wayne and Eight9Fly. 

• She also worked with Kwesi Arthur, Snypa and Joey B on Gbedu, alongside the release of Bounce.

• In 2023, Ms Banks released Daily Duppy, continuing to expand her collection of singles.

Eps

Ms Banks released her debut EP, New Chapter, in 2016. The project was independently released and made available through digital downloads and streaming platforms. 

Featured Appearances

Apart from her own music, Ms Banks has contributed to recordings by several other artists. 

• Her early collaborations included Been the Man, released in 2015 by Tinie Tempah, Jme and Stormzy, with Ms Banks appearing as a featured artist. 

The song was included on their album Junk Food.

• In 2018, she worked with Juan Magán and Stylo G on Champion (Main Mix). 

• She also featured on Heartbreaker by Laura White and joined MelaTwins on the remix of Fleek Bop. 

• Another collaboration from this period was the remix of Wondering, performed by M.O and Geko.

• The following year, 2019 brought further guest appearances, including Like Tu Danz, alongside Juls, Kida Kudz and Pa Salieu. The song appeared on Juls’ album Colour. 

• Ms Banks also collaborated with Little Mix on Woman Like Me, which featured on their LM5 EP. 

• Her other contributions included Drama by Mae Muller and Caitlyn Scarlett, as well as the remix of Gangsta by DARKOO and Br3nya.

• In 2020, she appeared on Tinashe’s Die a Little Bit, from the album Songs for You. She also featured on Issues by Nana Rogues. 

• Her collaborations continued in 2021 with Interest, alongside Dolapo and Oxlade, and Woi Oi, with Geko and BackRoad Gee. 

• She also collaborated with KDA, Tinashe and Karnage Kills on a remix of Die a Little Bit.

Besides music releases and featured collaborations, Thyra Kigho has also worked on a supporting tour, The Hot Girl Summer Tour for Megan Thee Stallion.

Controversies 

• She has openly talked about facing child abuse.

Through her music, Ms Banks has shared personal experiences involving childhood abuse, difficult relationships, and heartbreak. However, her decision to discuss these subjects publicly was not well received by some members of her family.

• Speaking about inequality in the music industry

During a 2022 interview with Music Week, Ms Banks spoke about the difficulties faced by Black women in the music industry, highlighting the need for equal opportunities, recognition and fair treatment.

Conclusion 

Through her music and collaborations, Ms Banks has established herself as a recognised voice in British rap while continuing to embrace her Ugandan and Nigerian heritage. Her work reflects her growth as an artist and her contribution to the music industry.