Gospel artistes and relatives honoured Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji at the Toluwanisings tribute night in Ibadan on Tuesday. Adeyinka Alaseyori, Esther Igbekele, Laolu Gbenjo and Bidemi Olaoba were among those who gathered at the Hall of Grace, Jogor Centre, thirteen days after his death.
The gathering brought together gospel musicians, actors, pastors and admirers of the singer. Actress Bimbo Oshin, music producer SB Live and gospel artiste Akintayo Akinwande were among those present, according to QED’s report of the event.
Alaseyori performed Ase Ti Jade, a song she recorded with Toluwanisings. PUNCH reported that Sarah Apekeola sang Iba, while Peterson Okopi and Igbekele also performed during the programme.
Other artistes at the venue included Lanre Alewilese and Mr Gbera. Entertainers Woli Agba and Dele Omo Woli joined the gospel musicians on stage. Attendees wore white, as requested in the notice announcing the service.
The tribute followed a candlelight procession held on 20 October, when mourners gathered in remembrance of the singer, Leadership reported.
The singer’s widow also paid tribute to her husband. PUNCH quoted her words from the event: “Toluwanisings, my dear husband. I will forever miss you. Please do not forget your children and I.”
Her tribute formed part of a programme that combined music with spoken recollections of the late singer. QED reported that the gathering included worship sessions and video retrospectives covering his life and career.
Friends and colleagues organised the tribute night, according to a notice shared on Toluwanisings’ official social media page. His team clarified that they had put the event together to honour him, separately from arrangements being handled by his immediate family.
The notice, issued ahead of the gathering, confirmed that the programme would begin at 3pm at Jogor Centre. It asked friends, colleagues and supporters to attend in remembrance of the gospel minister.
Before the event, Alaseyori had also remembered Toluwanisings in an Instagram tribute. Legit reported that she described him as kind to her and others, writing: “Brother Tolu you were indeed good to me and many.”
Toluwanisings died in the early hours of 14 October, his family announced in a statement on his verified social media accounts. The announcement identified his ministry as Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry and asked the public to remember his wife, relatives and loved ones in prayer.
The family did not disclose a cause of death in that statement. The date of his death and the family’s confirmation were reported by Channels Television and Radio Nigeria Ibadan.
His passing prompted public tributes from colleagues beyond Tuesday’s gathering. Tope Alabi spoke of the shock of losing him and prayed for his family, while Woli Agba remembered the joy his voice had brought to listeners.
A member of his band also recalled his support while she was seeking to have a child. PUNCH reported that she delivered her tribute on stage with her baby.
Toluwanisings was known for energetic gospel praise performances and Yoruba-inspired worship recordings. His recordings included Eleda, I’m Not Alone and A Very Big God, songs remembered alongside the tributes to his ministry.
