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 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.
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Introduction: The Soulful Voice of ‘Suya Soul’
Award-winning singer-songwriter TolumiDE combines sweet, soulful vocals, warm lyrics, and groovy contemporary African rhythms to create her signature sound, which she calls ‘Suya Soul.’ She explains:
“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.”
Born in Toronto, raised in Lagos, and now based in Washington, D.C., TolumiDE’s eclectic style shines through both her music and her energetic performances. Singing in both English and Yorùbá, she transports listeners to a tropical oasis of feel-good vibes through her albums My Love and Mama Sunshine. Her accolades include Best R&B Female Artist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, and her latest single “Throwback” peaked at #3 on the Global Top Independent airplay chart.
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.