#GrapeVine Interviews Tosin Music

Fast-rising music artist, Tosin Oguntayo a.k.a Tosin Music, was a guest on The Grapevine on Thursday. After the show, we sat down with him to have a chat.

SMOOTH FM: Who is Tosin Music?

Tosin Music: Tosin Music is a music and family lover, I’m the first child in a family of five. Family and music are what I hold dear to my heart.

SMOOTH FM: How long have you been in the industry?

Tosin Music: I’ve been around for a while, I started out by teaching kids to play the guitar, I’ve been a member of some crews and I’ve also been part of some stage plays as a guitarist and an opening act. An example is London Life Lagos Living which was produced by Lala Akindoju in 2015. Last year I also worked on a project with Lydia Idakula Sobogun, Bez Idakula’s sister. I’ve also worked with Isaac Geralds and we opened for Asa sometimes ago.

My new single is titled Bintinlaye, it’s my debut single and it’s a blend of guitars and electronic sounds. The lyrics of the song are in both Yoruba and English language and the message of the song is that we should not be covetous. The song tells a story of a man who has been given basically everything but still longs for more, it also tells the story of a woman who delights in seducing another woman’s husband.

SMOOTH FM: what inspired the song and the message it conveys?

Tosin Music: My environment was the major inspiration for the song, sometimes I hear what people say, I hear stories and I really can’t believe my ears. I hear stories of someone deceitfully taking some other person’s property and a whole lot more. The song is my attempt to make people realize that the world is really small, like the name suggests and that at the end of the day it’s all vanity.

I am also working on an EP although I’m not sure about when it’s going to drop yet. Also, there’s an event coming up on September 7^th at Bogobiri, it’s tagged “Don’t Drop the Mic” and I’m going to be performing live there.

SMOOTH FM: If you had the opportunity to work with two prominent artists, let’s say a Nigerian artist and a foreign artist, who would be your pick?

Tosin Music: From way back, I’ve been a fan of John Mayer, I love his mind, I love the way he writes his songs, I love how he handles the guitar, he’s one foreign artist I would definitely love to work with. On the Nigeria scene, I really love Burna Boy and I wouldn’t mind a collaboration.

I love Asa, I love Bez and while growing up, listened to Asa a lot and I literally drank every album she released. But sometimes I just want a different sound and Burna boy’s vibe appeals to me, so I would like to work with him.

SMOOTH FM: You’ve been talking about guitars, you seem to be fascinated about them, why?

Tosin Music: Yes, guitars are amazing instruments, there’s this natural feel that comes with them such that when you play, they tingle the brain. Most times I just pick my guitar, play some chords and when the melody comes together, I puts some words to it and before you know it, I have a song. I actually started playing the guitar in church way back in 2006.

SMOOTH FM: If you had the power to change something about the music industry in Nigeria, what would it be?

Tosin Music: Well, I wish we could get more support from the government, I was on tour in South Africa sometimes back for a stage play and it was very obvious that their government supports their music, their art and creative work. From musicians to artists to poets, I was overwhelmed. So, if I had the power to, I would increase the government’s involvement and support for the creative industry in general.

SMOOTH FM: One random question, what’s your favourite food?

Tosin Music: Well, while growing up, I used to be a very picky eater but that has changed. At the moment, I don’t think I have a favourite food, as long as it tastes good, I’m game.