With a distinctive voice lauded by Soul Tracks for its “catchy classic R&B vibe with African percussive trimmings,” acclaimed vocalist and songwriter, TolumiDE 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 skills singing in church and with her school’s Yorùbá cultural dance troupe. Her artistic journey flourished during her Bachelor of Fine Arts studies in Canada, where she joined an all-female dancehall reggae band. This pivotal experience propelled her to embark on a solo career, which subsequently emerged her as a prominent figure in 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. 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.
“…bringing a contagious blend of North American and Nigerian roots that define her brand of Afro-Pop-Soul.” – Soul Tracks
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Renowned singer TolumiDE celebrates a remarkable 20-year odyssey as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s contemporary music landscape, poised to unveil her fourth studio album, “Suya Soul,” through her label 1FT Music, slated for release this year.
TolumiDE: The Soulful Voice of ‘Suya Soul’
TolumiDE (pronounced toe-lu-mee-day), is an award-winning singer-songwriter renowned for her captivating blend of soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and contemporary African rhythms. Born in Toronto, raised in Lagos, and now based in the D.C.-Maryland region (DMV), TolumiDE has crafted a sound uniquely her own, which she aptly calls ‘Suya Soul.’ a genre that seamlessly fuses her African heritage with modern sounds, including elements of Afro-pop, gospel, reggae, neo-soul, and jazz. Singing fluently in both English and Yorùbá, TolumiDE delivers performances that transport audiences to a world of vibrant energy, uplifting vibes and a tropical oasis with her feel-good vibes and eclectic style.
Her illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades, including winning Best R&B Female Artist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. Her recent single, ‘Throwback,’ soared to #3 on the Global Top Independent airplay chart, solidifying her status as a powerful force in the music industry. Additionally, as a Grammy voting member, TolumiDE plays a significant role in shaping the future of music.
With over two decades in the music industry, TolumiDE’s journey began with her time in an all-female reggae band in Canada and evolved into a flourishing solo career in the United States. Her critically acclaimed albums, My Love and Mama Sunshine, have received widespread praise. Her name, TolumiDE, a blend of her first and last names meaning “Thank you, God” in Yorùbá, reflects her deep spiritual and cultural roots. Influenced by iconic artists such as Sade, Anita Baker, Brandy, Mary Mary, and African legends Onyeka Owenu and Angelique Kidjo, TolumiDE’s music is a soulful mix enriched with bilingual lyrics and a profound sense of cultural heritage.
TolumiDE has graced some of the most prominent stages internationally, including Artscape, the World Bank, Toronto Jazz Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, and the legendary Blues Alley. She has also shared the stage with international stars like Les Nubians, Such, 2Face Idibia, P-Square, Toby Foyeh and Salif Keita, showcasing her versatility and broad appeal.
Beyond her solo projects, TolumiDE is highly regarded for her collaborations, featuring on the debut album Jevi by Mexican artist Tonga Conga (Virgin Music MX), and partnering with artists, DJ’s and producers like D-Black da Ghana Bwouy, Latunde Silver, Stacy Kidd, and Thomas Blondet. Her media presence spans globally recognized outlets such as Voice of America, Channels TV, MTV Base, Trace TV, Channel O (South Africa), Metro TV (Ghana), FOX45 and BET International.
Beyond her musical achievements, TolumiDE is deeply committed to her community. She serves as a Governor for the Washington DC chapter of the Recording Academy and is an executive member of the Afropolitan Youth Association. Through her involvement, she plays a key role in nurturing and promoting cultural and artistic talent.
TolumiDE’s music is more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of life, culture, and the power of music to bring people together. With her distinctive ‘Suya Soul’ sound, she continues to inspire and uplift audiences, making her a standout artist in today’s global music landscape.