Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, the Nigerian gospel singer popularly known as Toluwanisings, died on October 14, 2026, after a career marked by a soulful voice and energetic stage presence that made him a beloved figure in the country’s gospel music scene. He was 41.
Comedian Woli Agba confirmed his death in a statement. The cause was not disclosed, though reports suggested he slumped.
Bolaji built a career on a simple conviction: that music was not a profession but a ministry. His songs, delivered in a rich fusion of Yoruba praise traditions and contemporary gospel, spread the message of Christ and made him a recognisable figure in Nigeria.
FROM IKIRUN TO LAGOS
Born into a Muslim family in Ikirun, Osun state, Bolaji’s path to the pulpit was not a straight one. He moved to Lagos after his secondary education and enrolled at Yaba College of Technology, where he studied Estate Management and Valuation and graduated in 2017. Music, however, had already claimed him. He began as a Fuji artiste, performing a genre far removed from the worship music that would later define him.
His conversion to Christianity redirected both his life and his art. After joining a Christ Apostolic Church in Lagos, he served as an assistant choir coordinator, a role he would later describe as the period in which he discovered his purpose. It was in the choir that he said he began to understand his calling to gospel music.
A BIG BREAKTHROUGH
For years, he released tracks to a modest audience. That changed in 2021, when comedian Woli Arole discovered his music on Instagram, where Toluwanisings had only about 500 followers. Arole sent him a direct message, praised his talent and promised to share his song.
The post went up on a Wednesday night. Within minutes, gospel artistes including Big Bolaji, Mike Abdul, Bidemi Olaoba, Yetunde Are, and Bukola Bekez had reposted it.
“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.
“It was on a Wednesday night around 9 pm; I can remember vividly. So immediately he posted; five minutes later, Big Bolaji, Mike Abdul, Bidemi Olaoba, Mummy Yetunde Are, Bukola Bekez, everyone reposted. I could not control my emotions; I was like, ‘Am I dreaming? Is this how God works?’ Even three days after, I still could not believe it.”
For Toluwanisings, the rest was history as he went on to release several other tracks including ‘Emi Mimo Ese’, ‘Unreserved Praise’, Agbara Olorun’, ‘Ase Ti Jade’ and ‘E Lagbara’.
FINDING LOVE IN CHURCH
Away from his blossoming career, Toluwanisings was a husband who often spoke warmly about Elizabeth, his wife, and their relationship.
In an interview, he revealed how they met in Olambe, Ogun state, where they lived in the same neighbourhood. Their relationship began in church, where they both served in the choir.
The singer said he believed God had spoken to him about his wife before they married, describing their union as one of the “best decisions” he had made.
“We actually met because we lived around the same area in Ogun State, Olambe to be precise. I met my wife in church and we both served in the choir,” he said.
“The Lord has spoken to me about her and I must say, that is the best decision I have made. That woman is blessed.”
Their union was blessed with two children.
A COVENANT AND LEGACY
In an interview, Bolaji spoke of a covenant he made with God: that as soon as people heard his voice, their hardened hearts would soften, including those who had given up hope and those whose faith was being tested. It was a mission he pursued to the end.
“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.
“So my message is centred on Christ, him being crucified and what he has come to do for humanity.”
Though his life ended early, the songs he recorded and the worship experiences he shared with his audiences will remain part of the legacy he leaves behind.
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