TolumiDE

TolumiDE shared her music as well as a piece of her heart during a recent interview with rolling out.

Where are you originally from? Where do you reside now?

I’m a Nigerian-Canadian currently residing in Washington, D.C. I was born in Toronto, then my Nigerian parents took me back home to Lagos for my primary and secondary school. I came back to Toronto to study Fine Arts at York University and moved to the States after graduation when I was offered a full-time job as a graphic designer for WBFF, a Fox-affiliated television station in Baltimore.

The inspiration for me deciding to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter came from my passion for music. I sang, danced and performed a lot as a kid in my high school and at church and then while I was at York University in Canada, I sang and toured with an all-female reggae band; an opportunity that literally just fell into my lap from a friend at my job suggesting I audition for my boss’s sister who had a band. After my undergrad studies and a few years of working full-time as a graphic designer, I naturally came back to the music and developed my songwriting skills so I could sing songs of that I could relate to.

What is your genre of music?

I describe my music as “suya soul,” a phrase I coined myself to describe the fusion of contemporary R&B with African pop music. Suya, being a popular spicy grilled shish kebab [meat cooked on skewers] indigenous to Nigeria represents the alternative music flavor I offer to listeners who love soulful music.

Why did you leave the music scene? What made you return?

I left the music scene when I moved to Baltimore from Toronto. I had secured my first full-time job as a graphic designer after I graduated from college and I really wanted to focus and excel in the new job. Shortly after working for about a year, I joined the non-profit organization Nigerian Youth Association and was tasked with being part of a team to organize an African Festival (FestAfrica formerly known as Naija Fest). I formed a band to support the project and after the event, I realized I needed to get back into music, use my gift of singing and performing and make an impressionable musical mark in the world. Pursuing music as my second career was the follow-up adventure I decided to embark on and I am so happy that I did.

How many albums have you released?

I have released an EP album called Specialty, a full-length album called My Love and a few singles some of which have featured guest artists and songwriters.

Tell us about your new single.

My new single is titled “Your Arms.” It’s an acoustic song about the warm and fuzzy feeling received in the arms of a loved one. It’s the first release of my upcoming EP acoustic album scheduled to be released in December.

What do you do outside of music? Job, hobbies, etc.

I love to cook, travel and vlog about my life. I currently work in the broadcast industry managing brands and creating graphics. I also serve the DMV community as a member of the nonprofit Afropolitan Youth Association and the entertainment director for FestAfrica, the largest African cultural festival in Maryland. I am also very involved with the Recording Academy [Grammys] and am a voting member.

What inspires you to continue pursuing music?

I inspire myself a lot to keep at it and keep putting as much effort as possible into creating worthy art to be proud of. I’m encouraged when a song I release gets great feedback from listeners. My family, friends and God’s creations also inspire me, as well as some musicians who have influenced my music like Sade, Brandy, Bebe & Cece Winans and Onyeka Owenu.

Do you plan on touring?

Yes. Looking forward to a tour to share the new album soon.

What is next for you on your musical journey?

I am excited to be back in the studio recording my next album, Suya Soul, and this time, I will be inviting fans new and old to join in and support my first fan-funded album fundraiser being hosted on Indiegogo. Also for this project, in memory of my mother and all mothers who radiate with super sunshine, I have chosen to support IamWANDA — a nonprofit organization established by Tambra Raye Stevenson standing for women and girls advancing nutrition, dietetics and agriculture. I’m really excited about this campaign. There’s so much to share as African girls, women, and wives in the 21st century that I believe listeners will enjoy.

For music and more, follow TolumiDE on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. - Rolling Out

While listening to the catchy song filled with themes of growth, resilience and renewal, I felt the song was a perfect way to begin a new chapter for many of the women standing in the room. - She Leads Africa

a sultry love song declaring true love with the phrase “Me Do Wu” shows the challenges couples face every day. To display an appreciation for the diversity of Africa, the song is infused with Ghanian (Twi) and Nigerian (Yoruba) language. - BellaNaija

TolumiDE 'For Me' currently playing on Music Choice Urban AC (R&B/Soul) Radio and Peaked on the BDS Nielsen charts at #42. On the National airplay top 100 Digital Radio Tracker Charts, peak at #85 with 875+ spins and on the Top Indie Charts peakes at #32. - Olamildent

Her voice is gentle in tone but firm to the chord, making this black female singer a delight to listen to. Uplifting and positive her music is sure to put you in a good mood. - All Black Woman

Definitely grown folk music on this tune; it has that Kem aura about it. - NotJustOK.com

Soulful Afro-Pop Singer/Songwriter TolumiDE has dropped another cool single from her musical stables. - GistMaster

TolumiDE (pronounced toe-lu-MEE-day), one of the most exciting gospel artists to hit the stage in years, has been recognized by the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA). An organization created to highlight and educate musicians in the Nation’s Capital, annually WAMA announces stand-out artists in a variety of categories. TolumiDE was nominated twice in the Gospel/Inspirational category. She received a nod for Gospel/Inspirational Vocalist and another one for Gospel/Inspirational Recording for her debut project, My Love. WAMA will be handing out awards on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 8PM at The State Theatre (220 N. Washington Falls Church, VA – 703.237.0300). She’s thrilled about the recognition. “I’m so honored to receive recognition at the Wammies and I’m looking forward to networking with other nominees at the award ceremony,” says TolumiDE.
TolumiDE has been promoting her debut project, My Love. The D.C.-based, urban contemporary artist who includes hip-hop, R&B and African rhythms in her unique sound, has been heard nationally on dozens of gospel radio stations. Songs like her CD’s title tune, “My Love” and the laid-back “What I’d Like To Be” have the gospel music industry talking about the Nigerian songstress. She’s been covered in the Afro American, The D.C. Examiner, Heed Magazine, EURWeb.com, GospelPundit.com, PrayzeHymnOnline.com, and TheBlackGospelBlog.com and her video has received airplay on Gospel Music Channel, Christian Broadcasting Network, ONE Gospel, MTV Base, Channel O, Nigezie, and MBOA TV.
The singer and songwriter has been quite busy lately, she recently returned from an international tour in Africa. In South Africa, she attended the Channel O music Video Awards Ceremony and did a promotional radio tour in Ghana, stopping by Hitz 103.7FM, Y107.9FM, Sunny 88.7FM and the Allo Tigo Show with Jon Germain. In Lagos City, Nigeria, she dropped by many stations including Inspiration 92.3FM, Beat 99.9FM, Classic 97.3FM, Top Radio 90.9FM, Smooth 98.1FM, Cool 96.9FM and Wazobia 95.1FM. She also visited Abuja City and Rhythm 94.7FM, was interviewed on ITV and HOT 98.3FM and hosted a CD listening showcase of her project, My Love. While on the road, she also made a stop in England, where she worked on a new song and interviewed with Factory78.com. For more information on TolumiDE, log on to www.TolumiDEmusic.com. - Mike Jones

My favorite songs on the “My Love” CD include “Ekabo” because of its African sound mixed with Urban R&B flavor; the title track “My Love,” which has an Urban Pop flavor with a Nigerian feel; “Cell Phone” has an Urban R&B feel to it that makes you want to rejoice and dance; “Speed of Life” is a sweet Pop sounding selection with some awesome African drums supporting it, and “For Me” for its tropical feel and its’ lyrics that speak of the need to let God pick the right man for you. - EURWeb.com - The Pulse of Entertainment

I neeeed you guys to check out this new artist, TolumiDE.

Her single, “My Love,” is so catchy, so hot, so fun and funky… I kinda can’t stop listening! Sooooo, I’ve added it to the PunditPlayer, so you can be hooked too! LOL

Click here to listen!!!

TolumiDE is a new artist with a Nigerian and Canadian background. She infuses gospel, reggae, funk, soul and African sounds and rhythms into music that works well. I’m really digging the vibe.

Her full album, My Love, isn’t due in stores until April of this year, but the single will be available this Tuesday, January 26th, on iTunes.

You can visit her website, www.TolumiDEmusic.com, to learn more about her. Plus, you can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tolumide.

Also, peep her video for the single… it’s simple enough, yet features quality production. Plus, I BELIEVE her in it, which is not always a given in gospel. I think I’m a fan!

http://www.gospelpundit.com/check-em-out-tolumide-10787
- Gospel Pundit

Big blend of Afro-pop, funky reggae, neo-soul and jazz prove to be an entertaining brew for urban gospel’s newcomer. On her full-length debut My Love, Nigerian-Canadian descendant Tolulope Olumide, going by the short stage name of TolumiDE, is on the move in delivering her mix of soulful R&B, urban gospel and occasional hip-hop into Afro-pop and jazz. As complicated as it sounds, TolumiDE does a good job in piecing together the musical collage without it getting tacky or unorganized. She’s able to take the musical DNA of Taio Cruz and the ease of Oleta Adams, while injecting more of her heritage using bilingual lyrics, into a friendlier foundation of melodic pop and R&B balladry perfect for outreach crossover gospel. - PrayzeHymnOnline.com

Nigerian-born singer TolumiDE first broke into music as part of the dancehall group Women Ah Run Things. Now, though, she's decided to take a major solo step into gospel territory, with the upcoming release of her feature length debut album 'My Love.' According to BREATHECast, the album, scheduled to drop this April, is "a sonic collage of urban, contemporary gospel, reggae, funk, soul, and R&B music and of course, African rhythms." - SHOUTcast

Growing up across the globe did not deter TolumiDE’s aspirations of becoming a singer. In fact, her various dwellings strongly shaped her musical prowess. With gospel music at heart, TolumiDE hopes to convey a message that is totally her own. - The Afro American

My Love is at once different and in tune with today’s urban contemporary gospel sound. As the title track (and current single) demonstrates, the album combines the vibrancy of African polyrhythm, explosive techno and TolumiDE’s fetching African accent with lyrics that uplift, empower and inspire while remaining grounded in the realities of modern life. For example, “For Me” examines the internal struggle virtuous single women face even when looking for love in all the right places. “Because You Know” is an uncomplicated plea for universal love and peace that deserves a companion video. On “All Cell Phones,” the singer lets her hair down and calls for everyone to raise their cell phones in the air (the safe substitute for lighters, natch) and dance away in the spirit.

TolumiDE sings two songs in her native Yoruba language, “Ekabo” and “O Lagbara,” though the album never veers far from its African roots. An exception is “Colours of Life;” its poetic, melancholy beauty and generous swaths of melody sound like something from the creative genius of Michael Jackson. - The Black Gospel Blog

The Nigerian and Canadian singer has been receiving rave reviews for the CD and it's title cut, "My Love". Distributed nationally and already charting on BDS with rotation on 150 stations nationwide, the urban-tinged song highlights the relationship between the singer and her Lord. - The Urban Music Scene

R&B Recording Artist Tolumide Performing at the 2007 NEA Awards. Tolumide was the 2006 NEA's R&B Female Artist of the Year.

- MIMI Magazine - A Voice For African Women

http://www.goodlife.com.ng/reviews_page.php?reviews=read&id=479

Simply put, TolumiDE (toe-LU-me-day) is an incredibly talented recording artist. With her African flair and inspirational musical stylings, she exudes a finesse and an energy rarely seen in gospel music.

A unique heritage that includes Nigeria and Canada, TolumiDE, her stage name a collaboration of her first name Tolulope and her last Olumide, which means “Thank you God” in her native language of Yoruba, she has a music ministry with sprinklings of Urban Pop, Classic Soul, Afro-Jazz, Funk, Reggae and Contemporary Gospel.

The recipient of the coveted Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Female R&B Artist, she’s already been recognized in the Motherland as one of the brightest music stars of the day. With dynamic and audience grabbing performances, TolumiDE has gained new fans and rave reviews for her debut EP Specialty in 2008. The project set the stage for her upcoming release, My Love, a further extension of the amazingly gifted artist.

Growing up in Nigeria, TolumiDE was born for music. She was a member of a number of choirs as a youth at Atlantic Hall Secondary School in Nigeria, a place where she honed her musical skills during her time with the school cultural dance group.

Deciding to pursue Graphic Arts instead of the occupation of her father, an architect and engineer, she journeyed to Toronto and enrolled in York University’s Fine Art Program. “My faculty was filled with art, music, dance, film, television and multimedia specialties, all of which I had always wanted to explore,” shares the songstress.

Immersed in the arts fully, she became part of an all-female band called “Women Ah Run Tings”. The group, producing a collage of music with Dancehall, Roots Reggae, R&B, Rock and Hip-Hop influences, caught the attention of many and ultimately became four-time Canadian Reggae Award Nominees.

Not only did the group open up for artists like Burning Spear and Beenie Man, but their videos debuted on Much Music, Canada’s 1 Music Video Channel. The blessings kept coming and the opportunities gave TolumiDE a chance to hone her songwriting and singing skills, as she soon became the ensemble’s lead vocalist.

Simultaneously while pursuing her music career, she obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts Honors Degree in Visual Arts Communication Design. The degree opened doors for her to work at a FOX affiliate and Warner Bros. where she designed motion and still graphics, on-air promotions, marketing and public affairs projects in Baltimore, MD.

During her time in Maryland, TolumiDE released her first EP, Specialty, containing the hit single, “Because ou Know”. The single was featured on The Green October - Volume 1 mix project and he music video garnered airplay on MTV Base Africa, Channel O, Nigezie TV and a number of online media outlets.

She’s been blessed to perform at Blues Alley, the Vancouver Jazz Festival, the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, FestAfrica, the Canadian Reggae Music Awards and other prestigious events. In addition to being a sought-after vocalist, TolumiDE sings with the Hallelujazz Project, and Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa, and renders the Nigerian, Canadian or American National Anthems when requested.

Although she’s thankful for the accolades she’s already received, TolumiDE is in no way resting on her laurels She's thrilled about her first full length release, My Love. Songs like the incredibly moving “More Than You’ll Ever Know” and the funky grooves of “What I’d Like To Be” easily demonstrate how talented this young woman is. The title tune, “My Love” is an exciting, breathtaking fusion of African rhythms, electronica and urban pop. TolumiDE has a way of conveying the gospel message totally her own.

She’s excited about the project and feels that her fans will love it as well. “It’s Gospel Soul and Afro-pop CD with a unique blend of sincere lyrics and invigorating music that fuses African and Western elements,” she explains. “I’m working with some really talented producers and musicians. I love to dance, too, so I knew I had to get some danceable party songs on there! It’s definitely a good world music mix with elements of Reggae and Jazz. I’m really excited with what I have to share.”
- Goodlife - Bola Browne

Artist’s Debut CD Delivers Strong, African-Inspired Cuts With Lead Single “My Love” Releasing Tuesday, January 26

Washington, DC – January 21, 2010 – TolumiDE (pronounced toe-LU-mee-day) is on the cusp of becoming a household name in gospel music. In a world of cookie-cutter artists, TolumiDE breaks barriers and liberates souls with the refreshing sound she brings to inspirational music. With her Nigerian and Canadian background, the recipient of the 2009 African Heritage Award for Outstanding African Artist and multiple 2006 Canadian Music Award Nominee is set to take the gospel music community by storm with her eclectic and riveting performances on her debut, full-length CD, My Love releasing April 2010. The project is a sonic collage of urban, contemporary gospel, reggae, funk, soul, and R&B music and of course, African rhythms. But for TolumiDE, music and its differing styles are simply a means to an end; for her, it’s all about delivering the uplifting and eternal message of Christ through song.

Growing up in Nigeria, TolumiDE honed her musical gift as a youngster, but ultimately pursued her education in Graphic Arts. As a student at Toronto’s York University, she found herself chasing her first love and ended up as a member of the multiple award-nominated group “Women Ah Run Tings”. With a focus on Dancehall and reggae, the group opened up for artists such as Beenie Man receiving airplay on Much Music, Canada’s #1 Video Music Channel. In 2008, she embarked on a solo career and released an EP entitled Specialty. The single, “Because You Know” was featured on the Green October - Volume I mix project and the song’s video received airplay on MTV Base Africa, Channel O, Nigezie TV and a number of online media outlets.

My Love, TolumiDE’s new release, brings her much joy and a sense of satisfaction. “Working on the CD was invigorating, motivating and inspiring for me,” the artist shares. “The process of songwriting and going into the studio is like working on an art piece for me. I always come out astonished at the masterpiece unfolding thinking, ‘Did I really write all that?’”. She is also thrilled about the many amazing people she had the opportunity to work with during the recording of the project. “I am so blessed to work with some really talented producers and musicians and sound engineers - Blaise Tangelo, John Bashengezi, Ngouma Lokito, Tery Poindexter, Erik Dennis, Mark Baker, Alan Gaffere, The Ogunfiditimi Brothers and others. The process can be tiring (late and long recording sessions!!) at times, but loads of fun. I'm constantly visualizing who may enjoy and be inspired by the music and always get loads of encouragement from my family, friends and fans!!!,” she shares.

The project is available on iTunes and through CDBaby.com. For more information about TolumiDE, log on to www.TolumiDEmusic.com.

- Tehillah Enterprises - Andrea Williams

As the recipient of 2006 NEA (Nigeria Entertainment Award)for Best Female RnB Artist, her voice carries a sense of new possibilities, as well as the deep inflections of her African heritage.

http://www.nigerianentertainment.com/frontpage/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=216&Itemid=99999999 - Nigeria Entertainment Online Magazine

Simply put, TolumiDE (toe-LU-me-day) is an incredibly talented recording artist. With her African flair and inspirational musical stylings, she exudes a finesse and an energy rarely seen in gospel music. A unique heritage that includes Nigeria and Canada, TolumiDE, her stage name a collaboration of her first name Tolulope and her last Olumide, which means “Thank you God” in her native language of Yoruba, she has a music ministry with sprinklings of Urban Pop, Classic Soul, Afro-Jazz, Funk, Reggae and Contemporary Gospel. In a chat with Harry Itie, TolumiDE tells us what she has been up to and talks about her new single, My Love.

How has the journey being from Specialty to this new album?

It’s been quite a journey, but I am really encouraged with the results. I still got loads of work to do though. Specialty was a short EP album and ‘My Love’ is my first full length CD with 12 tracks. It required a lot more out of me. I worked with talented producers and musicians and engineers who truly brought out the best in me. Terry Poindexter produced ‘My Love’, ‘More than you’ll ever know’ and ‘What I’d like to be’. Blaise Tangelo produced ‘Ekabo’ & ‘All cell phones’ and also mastered the entire album. Other musicians I worked with were John Bashengezi, Ngouma Lokito, Erik Dennis and Mark Baker.

How have you changed as an artist and a performer?

I haven’t changed too much growing vocally everyday and thinking a lot more about the complete package, the music, the brand, my style, my personality and elements that will make me unique in a world full of other fantastic artists. As a performer the main objective is to inspire, enlighten and get people grooving hence the phrase ‘Ke Ma Rocky’ – a terminology I created that means get your groove on, get rocking and excited about the music and the lyrics

What inspired the first single My Love?

I wrote ‘My love’ late last year; I had just come back from work and felt extremely grateful to God for getting home safely and then just started of thinking of various things He does for us all and various ways to describe Him and it came down to the simple phrase ‘My Love’.

How is it doing in the US? How is the airplay? The sales?

“My Love’ is doing relatively well in the US, Canada, UK and also Africa. It’s getting air play on about 150 gospel stations here in the US (through Edmondson Communications) and a couple of college stations in Canada (through Extol Group). Although I’ve charted on BDS, still hustling to try to get further up the charts.

How are you promoting the music in Nigeria?

Nigeria has been challenging, but I am optimistic. Right now, I am asking friends to help spread the word about the single, using Facebook and emailing the single to radio stations and DJs.

What do you intend to give back to the Nigerian community with your music?

Ultimately the goal is to offer the Nigerian (African) community at home and abroad a refreshing sound and set of lyrics within the Urban Gospel/ R&B Soul genre that’s inspiring and draws people to grow in Love towards God and each other.

What do you think of the Nigerian situation?

There so many situations… Lighting up Nigeria would be awesome!

How can this situation be changed?

Mega prayers!! Team Work, Education and Determination.

What is your advice to young Nigerians?

Be inspired to be the best that you can be! Draw strength & guidance from God, good research, work hard, network, maintain good relationships and your dreams can become a reality.

Final word (This is usually a brief Word or Prayer to the readers)

May God continue to guide us all in all our endeavors. Amen

TRIVIA

Hair Color: Brown/Orange (today)

Eye Color: Black

Favourite Food: White Rice, Stew, Plantain & Salad

Favourite Artist: Anita Baker

Favourite Song – Peace by Lionel Peterson

Book you are reading now: Bible

Favourite past time: School - Yada Magazine

The hottest artist in the Washington DC area is TolumiDE, the Nigerian-Canadian gospel artist won the African Heritage Award for Outstanding African Artist in 2009.

A veteran artist, TolumiDE songs have been featured on MTV Base, Channel O and several radio stations; her music fuses urban, contemporary gospel, reggae, funk, soul, and R&B and of course, African rhythms. I got the chance to talk with TolumiDE, and about her new CD due for release, April 27 2010. Enjoy!

Being a Canadian Nigerian – how has the reception been to your music in Canada, Nigeria and the rest of the world?

I’ve gotten wonderful and encouraging responses from Nigeria, Canada, USA and UK. Right now, I’m working on getting the music out to the masses in Canada.

I know you have a new CD dropping soon – what message do you want your music to convey? What words will you use to describe the music we can find on this CD?

I would describe the music as Contemporary Gospel/Inspirational Soul and Afro-pop. The upcoming CD will be my debut full-length album and the major themes I wrote and sang out revolve around my life, love and my Lord God Almighty.

I got the chance to listen to some of your music, as well as watch some of your videos on YouTube and simplicity is one of the words I saw constantly amongst reviewers – was that your intention? and if yes – why?

Not sure if I can say I consciously intended to be simple. I guess the simplicity of the whole package, which is , the image look, songs, video, is me making an effort to be real to the audience. I really do want to come across as someone approachable and someone that the average person can relate.

Some say that the gospel music market is very competitive – have you found that to be true? What are the challenges that you have faced breaking into the gospel market both in Canada and the rest of the world?

Yes, it is competitive but it’s a good thing though. It’s a driving factor to create good, long lasting music. Challenges include getting the song to the masses so more people get to hear the music. Also, because my music is quite urban/pop sometimes people are not sure of it’s “gospel” authenticity.

Some say that there is a glass ceiling for women in music generally, have you found that to be true or not?

It does appear there is a glass ceiling; probably because there are many more males in the industry. I’m still pretty new to the industry so I’ll probably need another year to make a better assessment. The female artists I know of seem to be doing well – Mary Mary, CeCe Winans, Kim Burrell, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Yolanda Adams and many others.

Do you have any favorite songs on this CD?

Gosh, I quite honestly like them all. But today I choose “O Lagbara”. It’s just a fun, danceable energy-driven song about Jesus in Yoruba, My Nigerian Native language.

Have you ever performed in a non christian venue and if yes, how was the response?

I often perform at events that prefer international artists such as the Embassies, festivals, university cultural events, fashion shows, wedding receptions and the response has been good. They most especially like “Because you know” because the songs emphasizes the need to live in Love, Peace and Unity.

In your own words – what does it mean to be Nigerian and a gospel artist particularly in the current political and economic situation the world especially Nigeria is in?

I’m Nigerian because both my parents are Nigerians. I attended High School in Nigeria and University in Canada. Being Nigerian means I’m African; I’m proud of the heritage. I love most aspects of the culture – food, fashion, arts, film and festive celebration of any major occurrence in life. I’m saddened by the harsh dissension, greed and poverty prevalent in the nation. Both my parents are Christians and I was raised with Christian values that have molded me to be who I am today. As a gospel artist, I believe the best impact I can give is the message of genuine love for God and each other, and that message transcends and is applicable to the rest of the world.

What words of advice do you have for other young people that want to follow your footsteps?

Make an effort to pursue things that you truly are passionate about. Follow up on every single talent you have. Seek God’s guidance in all your endeavors and strive to please Him, Know Him and Grow in love towards Him and your fellow neighbors.

Where can we get your CD?

My website, tolumidemusic.com, has links to the digital outlets such as iTunes and CDBaby that have my singles. My website will be updated with more locations that carry the album.

I know you wrote most of the songs on this CD – what time of the day do you generally write? and what and whom inspires the words you put to music?

I write songs anytime of the day, but most of the time, it’s when I’m driving home from work or taking a long road trip. I’m inspired by my life experiences and my relationshi - AfricanLoft

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

Meet TolumiDE

1. In 1463 words or less summarize who you are and what you do?
-I'm a Nigerian- Canadian, Singer - Songwriter, Artist - Graphic Designer. I appreciate God, family, friendships, fans, good music, food, fashion, art, culture & my heritage
2. So what direction do you see your company in the next 14 years
-Continue to develop the brand TolumiDE! Art, Music & Culture
3. What makes what you do worth it
-Great feeling of being a useful being to God and my communities with my talents.
4. Any hard knock lesson you’d like to share
-learn to save and don't eat out all the time
5. What has been the single best decision you have made in your life
-Trust God
6. Do you have a 9-5
-Yes
7. If yes, any message for the boss
- Thanks for the opportunity to work.
8. 1 thing you wish people knew about you
- www.tolumidemusic.com
9. 4 secrets u want us to keep for you J
-Won't be secret if I tell y'all
10. 6 things u do to unwind
- Good food, music, sing, dance, hang with fam & friends, travel
11. 3 things you can’t do without
God, Food, Music
12. Define a good Friday or weekend
- Going out for dinner and listen to good music
13. Beethoven, dbanj or jay-z?
- Dbanj
14. What did you eat this morning
-Ice-cream
15. Was it good
Yes
16. Kitchen or order in
Both - NS1463 CLOTHING COMPANY

With her Nigerian music inspired beats, her musical style is in a class of its own. After listening to TolumiDE’s LP My Love, it is understood that she has done an incredible job of embracing all genres of music in her project. - DC Examiner

Urban contemporary gospel artist TolumiDE (pronounced toe-LU-mee-day) dropped her first full-length recording, My Love, in late spring. Since that time, she’s been taking the gospel industry by storm with the unique flair she brings to the genre. The Nigerian and Canadian singer has been receiving rave reviews for the CD and it’s title cut, “My Love“. Distributed nationally and already charting on BDS with rotation on 150 stations nationwide, the urban-tinged song highlights the relationship between the singer and her Lord. In addition, the accompanying video, directed by Tayo Abereoje from Black Royal Pictures, from has been in rotation on the Gospel Music Channel, MBOA TV, Channel O (South Africa), MTV Base, Nigezie and ONE Gospel TV; it’s also gotten thousands of plays on YouTube and countless other websites.

PrayzeHymnOnline.com says, “She’s able to take the musical DNA of Taio Cruz and the ease of Oleta Adams, while injecting more of her heritage using bilingual lyrics, into a friendlier foundation of melodic pop and R&B balladry perfect for outreach crossover gospel.” TheBlackGospelBlog.com says, “My Love” is at once different and in tune with today’s urban contemporary gospel sound. As the title track (and current single) demonstrates, the album combines the vibrancy of African polyrhythm, explosive techno and TolumiDE’s fetching African accent with lyrics that uplift, empower and inspire while remaining grounded in the realities of modern life.”



EJ of GospelPundit.com says, “Her single, ‘My Love,‘ is so catchy, so hot, so fun and funky…I kinda can’t stop listening!” Heed Magazine says, “TolumiDE’s first full-length, My Love, continues her tradition of combining the cultural sounds of her past with the modern sounds of the present in a way that’s equally at home on the pop charts as it is in the gospel world. With a smooth and warm voice, she heeds Psalm 33:3 - ‘Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy.’”

In addition to gospel media singing her praises, Baltimore fans made her the choice (out of dozens of entries) for Artscape’s recent 3rd Annual Sound-Off! Competition. Sound-Off!, part of The 29th Annual Artscape, a celebration of arts in Baltimore, showcases the talents of unsigned artists in Charm City. The Sound-Off! judges, consisting of Norvelle Jackson of WEAA 88.9 FM, Bret McCabe of City Paper, and Stephen Yasko of WTMD 89.7 FM, evaluated and selected three finalists for the competition with Artscape music lovers and fans voting for the finalist. The fan favorite received the coveted performance slot on Artscape’s Charm City Stage and as the winner, TolumiDE received a check and a backstage party for 20 fans.



Formerly a member of the multiple award-nominated group Women Ah Run Tings, TolumiDE garnered her own award as the recipient of the 2009 African Heritage Award for Outstanding African Artist. My Love, her second release, followed her EP critically-acclaimed debut, Specialty. During her career, she’s had the opportunity to perform at venues like Blues Alley, the Vancouver Jazz Festival, the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, FestAfrica, the Canadian Reggae Music Awards, and others.

TolumiDE is currently on her Summer/Fall Tour and is available to minister at Sunday and Mid-week services and Youth Special Events during her tour. For more information on TolumiDE, go to www.tolumidemusic.com. - Gospel Music Bites

Remember this name, because it’ll be ringing in your ears just like her latest album: TolumiDE. And just so you sound proper when you say it out: Toe-lu-me-day. - Heed Magazine

TolumiDE
My Love
TolumiDE Music 2010
www.tolumiDEmusic.com

Born in Canada, raised in Nigeria and now living in Washington, DC, the lovely female vocalist TolumiDE (an elision of her first and last names) has already made an impact overseas and in Canada, where she has won awards and nominations as a soloist and as a member of the all-female band, Woman Ah Run Tings. Her sound, which you can sample on her debut full-length CD, My Love, is as deliciously lilting as the proper pronunciation of her name (toe-LU-me-day).

My Love is at once different and in tune with today’s urban contemporary gospel sound. As the title track (and current single) demonstrates, the album combines the vibrancy of African polyrhythm, explosive techno and TolumiDE’s fetching African accent with lyrics that uplift, empower and inspire while remaining grounded in the realities of modern life. For example, “For Me” examines the internal struggle virtuous single women face even when looking for love in all the right places. “Because You Know” is an uncomplicated plea for universal love and peace that deserves a companion video. On “All Cell Phones,” the singer lets her hair down and calls for everyone to raise their cell phones in the air (the safe substitute for lighters, natch) and dance away in the spirit.

TolumiDE sings two songs in her native Yoruba language, “Ekabo” and “O Lagbara,” though the album never veers far from its African roots. An exception is “Colours of Life;” its poetic, melancholy beauty and generous swaths of melody sound like something from the creative genius of Michael Jackson.

My Love blends songs from TolumiDE’s first EP, Specialty, with brand new tracks, and the sum total is sweet, jazzy, soulful, powerful and an effective combination of world beats with inspirational lyrics and practical lessons. So turn up the volume, wave your cell phone in the air, and enjoy TolumiDE. Lagbara! - The Black Gospel Blog