With a distinctive voice lauded by Soul Tracks for its “catchy classic R&B vibe with African percussive trimmings,” acclaimed vocalist and songwriter, TolumiDE (pronounced toe-lu-mee-day) delivers a captivating portrayal of her cultural identity. Across her illustrious two-decade career, TolumiDE’s music extends beyond her Nigerian heritage, delving into themes of life and love. Drawing inspiration from afropop, R&B, gospel, jazz, and reggae, her music gives rise to a distinct sound she fittingly terms ‘Suya Soul’—a fusion of uplifting melodies and spicy grooves that compel listeners to move.
TolumiDE’s musical roots trace back to her upbringing in Lagos, where she honed her talents singing in church and performing with her school’s Yorùbá cultural dance troupe. Her artistic path expanded during her Bachelor of Fine Arts studies in Canada, where she joined the acclaimed all-female dancehall reggae band, Women Ah Run Tings. That formative experience inspired her to pursue a solo music journey after relocating to the United States to build her graphic design career—ultimately positioning her as a distinctive and influential voice within the global music scene.
Basking in press praise for her albums ‘My Love’ and ‘Specialty’, as well as her acoustic EP ‘Mama Sunshine’, TolumiDE shines as an afropolitan artist, leaving her unique imprint on the international music landscape by crafting a vibrant ethnic ambiance that enlightens audiences of all ages. Beyond the stage, she has served as a Governor for the Recording Academy’s Washington, D.C. Chapter, actively advocating for the growth and representation of artists in the music industry. Her accolades include winning Best R&B Female Artist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, and her latest single ‘Throwback’ peaked at #3 on the Global Top Independent airplay charts.
READ FULL BIOGRAPHY . VIEW EPK PRESS KIT . DOWNLOAD MEDIA – PHOTOS
TolumiDE, a vibrant voice in contemporary African music, celebrates themes of joy, faith, and cultural identity and founder of 1FT Music, her independent record label, has also served as a Governor on the Washington, D.C. chapter board of the Recording Academy, where she continues to advocate for the interests of music creators in the region. With each performance, she creates a soulful space where tradition and modernity dance together, forging a powerful connection that transcends time and place.
LATEST RELEASES: SUYA SOUL THROWBACK | NATURALLY ME
“I coined the phrase ‘suya soul’ to describe the fusion of contemporary R&B with African pop music. Like the spicy Nigerian grilled kebab ‘suya,’ my music brings a bold and alternative flavor to soulful music lovers.”
