Draft:Oluwatobi Oyero
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Oluwatobi Oyero | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Oluwatobi Oyero |
| Also known as | Toby Williams |
| Born | 29 September 1988 State, Nigeria |
| Genres | raggae, contemporary gospel, jazz |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Bass guitar |
| Years active | 2013–present |
Oluwatobi Oyero (born September 29, 1988) also known for his stage name as Toby Williams is a Nigerian-born bassist, and band leader. He is widely known as a bassist on most Nigerian gospel songs, some of which include Gbani Gbani” by Tomisin Ade-Kolawole and “Victory Praise” by Adedoyin Oseni. He has also held live performances with gospel artists, Tim Godfrey, Moses Bliss, and Damilola Bekes.[1][2]
He emerged Bass Player of the Year at the Eko Heritage Awards 2024.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Oyero hails from a musically inclined family; his father was a bassist and his mom and siblings were also singers. Growing up in the Alagbado Baptist Church, he began playing the drums at the age of 14, developing a passion for music. While playing for the same church, He later switched to a bass player developing a foundation in gospel, jazz, and reggae.
In 2013, Oluwatobi took part in a five-day music workshop organised by the Baptist Mission at Bowen University his talent stood out, and he was awarded Best Bass Player.[4]
Oyero attended Success Nursery and Primary School and Ebenezer Comprehensive High School in Lagos. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Olabisi Onabanjo University and a Master’s degree in Marketing from Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom.[5]
Career
[edit]Oyero started professionally as a bassist in Nigeria, performing at several concerts before moving to the UK.
Oyero has performed across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, playing at live concerts alongside the likes of Big Bolaji, Tim Godfrey, Tosin Bee, Dare Justified, Moses Bliss, Bukola Bekes, Damilola Bekes, IBK, and others.
He gained widespread recognition in the gospel music scene as the bassist on the following songs: “Gbani Gbani” by Tomisin Ade Kolawole, “Victory Praise” by Adedoyin Oseni, and “Praise Medley” by Praise Ishola. In the United Kingdom, he has performed at LOUD Concert in Sheffield, The Bliss Experience in Manchester, and in Sheffield, and also the 2025 Heeley Farm Festival. [6]
Renowned music critics Micheal Kolawole and Emmanuel Daraloye have given positive reviews about his playing style.[7][8]
Awards and recognition
[edit]| Organizer | Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eko Heritage Awards | 2024 | Bass Player of the Year | Won |
| Bowen University | 2013 | Best Bass Player | Won |
References
[edit]- ^ Gbadebo, Bode (2024-12-20). "The Most Important Moments In My Career — Oyero". Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ Babalola, Seyi (2025-05-13). "From Alagbado to the global stage: The musical journey of Toby Williams". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ "Oluwatobi Oyero, Iyabo Ojo, Mr Macaroni, others win big at Eko Heritage Awards 2024". Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ Nwafor (2025-05-14). "Oluwatobi Oyero: The Bass Guitarist who turns every note into a story". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ sunnews (2025-06-23). "Bassist Oyero wows audience at 2025 Heeley Farm Festival in UK". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ "Oluwatobi Oyero Lights Up Utopia Theatre with Afrobeats and Jazz Sounds – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ Telegraph, New (2025-06-16). "Music Runs In Oluwatobi Oyero's Blood". New Telegraph. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ^ Amos (2025-05-01). "Toby Williams' serotonin strings". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-06-29.