Toluwanisings
Nigeria’s gospel music community is in mourning after the family of popular singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings, confirmed that he died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The news has sparked an outpouring of grief from fellow gospel ministers, Nollywood actors and fans who say a “unique voice” has gone silent far too soon.
Family Confirms the Sad News
Reports of the singer’s death first spread on social media on Wednesday afternoon, leaving many fans hoping it was a false alarm.
Later that day, his family put the matter to rest with a statement shared on his official social media pages. The statement opened: “With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of MINISTER OLAYEMI BAYONILE BOLAJI.”
The family described him as “a dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister.” They did not disclose the cause of his death and said burial arrangements will be announced “in due course.”
They also asked the public to keep his wife, family and loved ones in their prayers during this difficult time.
Quick Facts
- Real name: Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji
- Stage name: Toluwanisings
- Date of death: Early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Ministry: Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM)
- Survived by: His wife and two children
- Known for: Lively Yoruba praise and worship songs, including “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo”, “A Very Big God”, “Eleda” and the “Unreserved Praise” series
- Cause of death: Not disclosed by the family
What Happened Before His Death
While the family has not given details about how he died, celebrity journalist and Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards founder Seun Oloketuyi shared an account on Instagram on Wednesday.
According to Oloketuyi, the singer suddenly slumped on a staircase and was rushed for medical help. He claimed that two hospitals refused to admit him, and that by the time he got to a third facility, he could only be confirmed dead.
It is important to note that this account has not been confirmed by the family. Still, the claims about hospital rejections have triggered angry reactions online, with many social media users criticising the state of emergency healthcare in Nigeria.
In an emotional tribute, Oloketuyi wrote: “Your voice may be silent here on earth, but the songs you left behind will continue to speak.”
Who Was Toluwanisings?
Toluwanisings was a gospel singer, songwriter and music minister who led the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry, popularly known as TOGOMM. Channels Television reported that he was 41 years old.
He grew up with a love for music and sang in church choirs before building a career of his own. His sound blended traditional Yoruba praise with a modern gospel feel, which helped him connect with a young, online audience.
His Rise to Fame
His big break came around 2021, when his music started spreading widely on social media. His praise project “Kos’Oluwa Laye” helped to establish him on Nigeria’s digital gospel scene.
Over the years, he released fan favourites such as “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo”, “A Very Big God”, “E Lagbara”, “Onibuore”, “Eleda”, “I’m Not Alone” and the “Unreserved Praise” series. He also worked with fellow gospel acts, including Adeyinka Alaseyori and Tosin Bee.
His music found a large audience on streaming platforms, and he regularly ministered at churches and gospel events across the country.
Family Life and a Close Call in July
Toluwanisings married his wife in 2021, and the couple had two children. In late September 2026, he marked their fifth wedding anniversary with a heartfelt post about faith and growing together.
Earlier, in July 2026, he and his crew survived a frightening road accident when their bus collided with a loaded trailer on the way back from a ministration. Sharing the experience at the time, he wrote that they had survived what could have claimed their lives.
That close call has made his sudden passing, just a few months later, even more painful for many of his followers.
Celebrities and Gospel Ministers Pay Tribute
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry since the news broke.
Comedian Woli Agba (Ayo Ajewole) described the loss as a “sunset at midday” and wrote on Instagram: “A VERY UNIQUE VOICE has dropped the microphone and walked off the stage just like that.”
Filmmaker Funke Akindele remembered him as “such a humble and hard-working gentleman,” adding, “May his soul rest in peace.”
Actress Wumi Toriola also reacted on X, writing: “Toluwanisings….. May your soul rest in peace this is a very hard pill to swallow.”
Fellow Gospel Singers Speak
Gospel singer Adeyinka Alaseyori, who featured on his song “Ase Ti Jade”, wrote: “Even in our pain, Lord we judge you faithful. It is well.”
Paul Tomisin remembered his humility and support for other ministers, writing: “We judge God faithful and good! Rest in peace Egbon Toluwani.” Dare Justified called the news “such a rude shock,” adding that “this one hits differently.”
Singer Pelumi Deborah, who said she had spent time with him just three days before his death, wrote: “Life is fragile! Oh, so painfully fragile.”
Actress Omolara Dark called him her “dearest brother,” while veteran actor Muyiwa Ademola was also among the Nollywood stars who publicly mourned him.
Fans Mourn a Voice Gone Too Soon
On social media, fans have been sharing clips of his ministrations and songs, many recalling how his music lifted them through hard times.
Others have focused on the young family he leaves behind, sending prayers and messages of comfort to his wife and children.
Final Word
Toluwanisings’ sudden death is a heavy loss for Nigerian gospel music. In just a few years, he built a strong following with joyful praise songs that filled churches and phones across the country. As his family prepares to announce burial plans, his music remains the strongest reminder of the joy he shared. Halmblog will update this story when more confirmed details are released.
Source: Channels Television
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