There are not many names that capture the essence of the bearer as aptly as Tomide the Skinny Nerd’s moniker does. First, the name tells you all you need to know about the person; his name is Tomide, he has a skinny build, and he’s a weirdo of the nerdy persuasion. But beyond those obvious interpretations, the name also hints that Tomide is a fearless artist who will not compromise on himself to conform to standards and expectations. Because when you take the very insecurities people will ordinarily expect you to be ashamed of and wear them so loud and proud, you shield yourself from the noise and get to be the best version of yourself. That’s what Tomide Adeyeye is going for, and he’s certainly on the right track to getting there.
Although he now resides in the United Kingdom, Tomide the Skinny Nerd’s origins can be traced to Ojo, Lagos state. His early years were characterized by an obsession with video games and cartoons. But music was his first true love, and he would write lyrics and perform them for his family since he was four years old. The freedom of university brought him out of his shell, and it wasn’t long before he established himself as one of the most exciting young talents at the Federal University of Technology Akure. But the plot twist to that chapter of his story is that he turned heads as a bar-for-bar rapper rather than the emo singer he is now. Smooth rhyme schemes and witty songwriting were Tomide’s greatest assets, and he proved his talent with brilliant covers of trending Hip-hop tracks between 2013 and 2015. After the release of his first unofficial project, the Skinny Nerd proceeded on a hiatus that lasted four long years.
Every artist must undergo the process of discovering themselves and the sounds they wish to be remembered for creating. Tomide went through that process over four long years that ended in 2019. He returned to the music scene a very different version of what his early followers would remember. “Tomide and the Middle Story,” a four-track EP, was how he chose to reannounce himself. Traces of the emcee in him can still be heard on that project. But upon journeying up the memory lane of his discography, one can notice Tomide the Skinny Nerd shedding that side in favour of something more well-rounded. The artist’s second EP, “Moods,” saw him bring together Afro-Pop, EDM, R&B, and Trap sounds in a fluid manner that is as startling as it is exciting. Another three-year hiatus followed, perhaps to give more attention to his other careers as a digital communications expert and a software engineer.
Tomide the Skinny Nerd’s comeback record was “Another Valentine,” which he quickly followed with the release of “Body,” the lead single to his third EP. The full project arrived on May 12 with six tracks. “Love, as a Drug” is a thoughtful exploration of the many facets of love and relationships. He expresses unreserved admiration for his lover on “Way” but would rather have solitude on “Alone.” He can’t shake the pressing need to be in someone’s arms on “Love” but wants a relationship with no strings attached on “Body.” While he speaks on his hatred of long-distance relationships on the album closer, Tomide reserved his introspective best for the third song, “Morning,” where he reflects on drug abuse. As you journey through the different tracks on “Love, as a Drug,” the consistency in the quality of the vocal performances and songwriting is evident. The masterful production makes it easier to make the intended emotional connections to the lyrics and tops off what is a truly beautiful musical project. These six tracks are all you will ever need to ascertain that Tomide the Skinny Nerd is an amazing musician, and we hope you take out word for it and explore his discography today.
