The late gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has left behind a remarkable story of religious conversion, musical transformation and an unexpected rise to fame.
In a resurfaced interview with Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo on her programme, Talk to B, the singer revealed that he was born into a Muslim family, bore the name Sodiq and began his musical journey as a Fuji singer before embracing Christianity.
The revelation has attracted renewed attention following his death on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the age of 41.
Speaking about his background, Toluwanisings disclosed that Islam was the religion he grew up practising before he gave his life to Jesus Christ and redirected his musical talent towards gospel music.
He described his decision to embrace Christianity as the best choice he had ever made, marking a major turning point in both his personal life and career.
FROM IKIRUN TO LAGOS
Born in Ikirun, Osun State, Toluwanisings moved to Lagos after completing his secondary school education. He subsequently studied Estate Management and Valuation at Yaba College of Technology.
Before becoming a recognised gospel minister, he spent years developing his musical talent, initially performing Fuji music before concentrating on Christian worship and praise.
The singer also revealed that he had been involved in music for about 12 years before gaining wider recognition.
He credited gospel comedian and minister Woli Arole with playing a major role in his breakthrough, saying he became more widely known after the intervention that helped bring his talent to public attention.
WIFE STOOD BY HIM
Toluwanisings also acknowledged the importance of his wife, Itohan, in his personal and musical journey.
He described her as a major source of support as he pursued his calling in gospel music. Reports on the interview indicated that the couple had been together for about 20 years, although they had been married for a shorter period at the time.
The singer also disclosed that he had written more than 150 songs that were yet to be released, suggesting that a substantial body of his musical work remained unheard.
His music gained popularity through energetic praise sessions, worship chants and recordings shared widely on social media. Among the songs associated with him are A Very Big God, Onibuore, Eleda Mi and Iba.
SUDDEN DEATH SHOCKS FANS
His death has plunged fans and colleagues in the gospel music industry into mourning.
His family confirmed that he died in the early hours of October 14 but did not disclose the cause of death.
His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, later said the singer suddenly slumped and that frantic efforts to save him included taking him to between seven and eight hospitals in Ibadan, Oyo State. According to the aide, some facilities reportedly gave various reasons for not admitting him, including the unavailability of doctors amid an ongoing strike. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been independently established.
Tributes have continued to pour in, with comedian and gospel minister Woli Agba describing his death as a painful loss and lamenting that a distinctive voice that had touched many lives had gone silent.
From his early days as a Fuji singer known as Sodiq to his emergence as a gospel minister, Toluwanisings’ story has become a central part of the tributes celebrating his life and musical legacy.
His family has said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
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