Inspired by his parents, where at home music always played, Tommy (real name Valentijn) developed a diverse musical taste. The genres varied, mainly including Lounge, Jazz, Indie, and Rock. From a young age, he was – and still is – a big fan of Queen and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Further drawing musical inspiration from CD compilations of Buddha Bar and Cafe Del Mar. Already at a young age he had a fondness for Eastern sounds, non-European music, and the culture behind it, forming an enthusiastic, curious and open-minded personality. Born and raised in the suburbs of Amsterdam, Valentijn Griffioen has always been an embodiment of positivity. Resonating with positive energy and radiating enthusiasm on those around him. At the age of 16 he began to discover the realms of music more thoroughly. Engaging in the production of music and attending the rich festival culture of the Netherlands. It was at this stage of his life he began to develop a fascination for the music culture and the elusive aspect to it. The start of his musical career was in 2020 under the name of Lavy, in which he, for the first time, professionally engaged in the world of music. While he cherishes all his beautiful endeavours of the past, Valentijn has evolved into a new identity as Tommy Chikara. A personal project in which he is able to express himself ever so freely both musically, artistically and personally. The birth of this artistic form was ignited by his continuous focus on personal growth, mindfulness and appreciation for creativity. Which enables him to write this chapter of his career with the right energy. Accompanied by his creative undertaking that goes by the name of “aporia”, which means "a state of puzzlement", Tommy is ready to discover the unknown and get known for what he is yet to have shown.