Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, the Nigerian gospel singer popularly known as Toluwanisings, grew up in a Muslim family and began his music career as a Fuji artiste before converting to Christianity and embracing gospel worship.
Bolaji died on October 14, 2026, at the age of 41. Comedian Woli Agba confirmed his death in a statement, but did not disclose the cause. Reports suggested that the singer slumped.
With his soulful voice and energetic performances, Toluwanisings blended Yoruba praise traditions with contemporary gospel music to spread the Christian message.
From Fuji music to gospel
Born in Ikirun, Osun State, Bolaji moved to Lagos after secondary school. He studied Estate Management and Valuation at Yaba College of Technology and graduated in 2017.
He initially pursued Fuji music, but his conversion to Christianity changed his path. After joining a Christ Apostolic Church in Lagos, he became an assistant choir coordinator. He later identified his time in the choir as the period when he discovered his calling to gospel music.
Woli Arole’s discovery
Bolaji’s career gained momentum in 2021 when comedian Woli Arole discovered his music on Instagram. At the time, the singer had about 500 followers.
“I posted on my Instagram, and I had about just 500 followers. The next day, Woli Arole sent me a DM; the first question he asked was ‘who are you?’ I told him I am a gospel musician, and he was like, ‘Guy, you are good; I will post your song this week,’” the singer recalled in an interview.
Arole shared his song, prompting gospel artistes such as Big Bolaji, Mike Abdul, Bidemi Olaoba, Yetunde Are and Bukola Bekez to repost it.
The exposure helped Bolaji reach a wider audience. He later released songs including ‘Emi Mimo Ese’, ‘Unreserved Praise’, ‘Agbara Olorun’, ‘Ase Ti Jade’ and ‘E Lagbara’.
Love, faith and legacy
Beyond music, Bolaji cherished his relationship with his wife, Elizabeth. They met in Olambe, Ogun State, while serving in the church choir. They later had two children.
“The Lord has spoken to me about her, and I must say that is the best decision I have made. That woman is blessed.”
His faith also shaped his musical mission. Bolaji said he made a covenant with God to use his voice to soften hardened hearts and encourage people struggling with their faith.
“My message is Christ and him being crucified. You know, what he did for humanity… So my main vision is to sing and convert those with hardened hearts. I made a covenant with God that as soon as they hear my voice, their hearts should be softened, including those who have given up hope and whose faith is being tested,” he said.
Leave a Reply