by Reuben Adewale
Nigerian-born rapper and lawyer Olowatobi Olowokure, known by his stage name Tobolos, is emerging as a bright talent in Nigeria’s rap scene, drawing inspiration from leading figures in the music genre, both within Nigeria and overseas, including M.I, Eminem, Jesse Jagz, J. Cole, Eldee, and Falz. With these inspirations, Tobolos has honed his craft to express his artistry through freestyle videos, battle rap, and collaborations with other artists. His skill and dedication culminated in a remarkable achievement as he reached the finals of the Hennessy rap contest show, Hennessy VS, Class VIII, showcasing his prowess among his fellow contestants.
In late 2021, Tobolos released his official single titled ‘Call Me Back.’ The rap song serves as a heartfelt reply to a distant lover whom he misses dearly. This single paved the way for his debut EP titled ‘The Slow Burn,’ which arrived two months later. The project, packed as a lyrical journey across six songs, tells stories from personal experiences to mental health, love, and the state of the nation.
His lyrics are not only characterized by detailed storytelling but also by a rich array of emotional depth, touching on themes of affection, joy, pain, and reflection. His words don’t just paint vivid pictures; they invite listeners into a world where every verse is a paintbrush, creating a masterpiece of realistic imagery. He sets a tone that goes beyond self-reflection, but also as a call to a journey of soul-searching and self-discovery. His discography is not only deep and meaningful, but it also serves as a guiding light for those looking for comfort and insight through life’s ups and downs.
After a brief hiatus from feeding his fans, Tobolos has teased an upcoming project titled ‘A Rose Arose,’ set for release later this year. A piece of it, titled ‘I Love You,’ is expected to drop on the 4th of April 2024. As the anticipation builds, ears eagerly await the release of the ‘A Rose Arose’ EP, as well as the single ‘I Love You,’ which is expected to give a glimpse of what Tobolos has been up to.
