The world of African music today is experiencing an influx of young and fresh talent, some of which have been daring and impressive in their tread. It brings comfort to the hearts of music lovers, and art lovers at large, being faced with the hopes that the future of African art and creativity is in good hands.
Today on uncovering the inside life of the artiste, we’d be taking a look into Tobi Laud’s space. Tobi Awoniyi, popularly known as Tobi laud, is an Afropop artiste, a 500lvl Student of Industrial and Production Engineering at the University of Ibadan, and the “life of the party.”
49thStreet: How did you stumble on music? What was your first musical experience like?
Tobi: It all started from leading hymns as at JS1 when I was in a catholic school and seniors would make my head swell that I could sing and stuff. But then that was just that. It got more serious when a friend asked me to drop a hook to his rap track and it’s been a ride ever since.
49thStreet: Have you always had a thing for music or you just stumbled upon it later in your life?
Tobi: I’ve always loved music. It’s an extended family thing actually. We all love music.
49thStreet: What’s music for you, how do you relate to it?
Tobi: Music for me is a medium through which I express myself and I also see it as a tool to preach love to the world. The world clearly needs a lot of that right now. There’s so much going on all over the place and all we actually need is love. Genuine love!
49thStreet: Are there artistes that inspired you and still inspiring you?
Tobi: Yesssss. I’ve got T pain, Wande coal, wizkid, Angelique kidjo!!! Amongst many others.
49thStreet: Kanipe put you out there, how has the journey been so far? What are the lessons you have learnt so far?
Tobi: Kanipe has played a huge role in putting me out there and still is one of my favorite songs and tbh it’s not been easy, it’s been a lot of ups and downs but that’s the beauty of it. I’ve learned to stay happy through the process. Don’t base your happiness on “when I blow”, just have fun with it every step of the way.
49thStreet: There is a video of you explaining how Medina changed your life, can you go deeper into it?
Tobi: Medinaaaaa, damn that song! The drama behind releasing that song would surprise everyone. The first time I ever performed that song was the day I was convinced I was never quitting this shit because it’ll be unfair to these people, they love this sound and they deserve more. I lowkey felt like drake, lol.
49thStreet: Congrats on your new EP, Only Gets Lauder Vol 1, what inspired the project? What story are you trying to tell?
Tobi: #onlygetslaudervol1 there was no better time to release this project than now, it all just feels perfect. With the situation of things in the world, all we need is love. As I said, I preach love, unconditional love. This project highlights the different sides and stages of love. It’s basically a love story from track 1 to 6. A tragic one though, lol.
49thStreet: Hallelujah was initially a free-style, did the reception on social media make you turn it into a song or it had always been in the works? What were you feeling when you wrote the song?
Tobi: Halleluyah was basically just vibes that very morning. Was having a conversation with my team and we spoke about how people walk out of relationships when the going gets tough, which shouldn’t be. We’re supposed to see things through till the end no matter the circumstances. That’s what LOVE is.
49thStreet: What do you want this EP to do for you? What are you trying to achieve?
Tobi: For me? This is more than what I want it to do for me and more of what I want it to do for people that listen to it. I want to touch lives, heal homes, save marriages and I want to blowww, lol, so please stream #onlygetslaudervol1.
49thStreet: There are 6 songs on the project, which one did you enjoy making the most?
Tobi: Lol, every song was a movie honestly.
49thStreet: Ayo Folarin is the only artist featured, how did you make the song happen?
Tobi: I was at Majic’s place, one of my dope producers, I was basically done with this song but this nigga jumped in and dropped a couple lines and I’m like naaaaaaahhh we’re doing this shit together. That was the second time I would be seeing him ever. Ayo Folarin is a beast and I’m sure y’all know that already. We made magic!!!
49thStreet: What kind of music do you make? Who’s your target audience?
Tobi: I’m an Afro fusion artiste, but I make Afro pop songs most times. I don’t like to streamline my music to a selected few. I make music for everybody mehn. Enjoy!
49thStreet: Talking about your creative process, how do you feel when you write and create new sounds?
Tobi: My creative process is really weird lol. People expect the usual sit in the studio or in someplace and write lyrics. For me, that shit just comes when it does. I could be anywhere, all I gotta hear sometimes is a beat that speaks to me and then I eat it.
49thStreet: If you had a chance to work with any artiste of your choice right now, who will it be?
Tobi: Lol you all know who I’ve been shouting to working with. OF LAGOS!!!
49thStreet: What other interests do you have apart from making music?
Tobi: It’s all music-related mehn. If I weren’t going to sing professionally, I had planned on running an Acapella choir that’d just rock African songs in a different way. I love my harmonies.
49thStreet: As an Ibadan boy, are you proud of your city? What do you love about your city?
Tobi: Yeah, of course I am. IB is really peaceful and you can’t take that away from us.
49thStreet: Is there something more you wish for concerning the entertainment scene in Ibadan?
Tobi: I wish the support system could be better really, there’s so much talent in here that need to be heard and given an opportunity. Let’s push our own and put ourselves on that global map, we have so much to offer. It’s IB time!!!
49thStreet: Congratulations on the deal with Black Bamboo, how will you describe your music relationship so far?
Tobi: Blackbamboo has been amazing, really. It’s like a family around here and nothing beats that, nothing.
49thStreet: Look at your progress over the last 3 years, where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
Tobi: In 3 years? I see myself ontop of my game, on a Lauder volume of course, making y’all proud. Making Africa proud.
49thStreet: What do you love the most about your sound, what do you feel makes you unique?
Tobi: The Laud sound is in the strength of the vocals and that clearly differentiates it from others, and the happiness people feel when they listen to my music is everything.
49thStreet: Seeing how celebrities have failed to use their medium to fight against social issues, is that something you wish to change?
Tobi: Yes, definitely. Celebrities have the power to influence their fans and it’s important this is done positively to make the world a better place. I believe everyone has a role to play.
49thStreet: Is there something you seriously miss from your childhood?
Tobi: Being taken kiaroff really. I hate to do it myself.
49thStreet: Tell us two truths and one lie about you.
Tobi: In no particular order:
I enjoy my course of study,
I still sing in the church choir,
I love Animals.
49thStreet: Moving forward, what should we expect from the ‘laud’ this year?
Tobi: A couple of more singles and visuals, with mind blowing collaborations. Fingers crossed!
49thStreet: Lastly, what do you have to say to your fans?
Tobi: First off, I want to say a big thank you for the support, there’s really no LAUD without y’all. You guys got me here and you guys are taking me further on this journey. #onlygetslauderVol1 is out on all platforms. Let’s streammmmmm and Make historyy!!!!
