Today, on The Inspired Dream, we have someone who is inspiring her generation with her music. She has released 8 songs and has an album cooking at the moment. Our #TheInspiredDream for this episode is UK based, Nigerian Gospel Artiste, Tosin Oyelakin.
Tosin is gospel artiste that is appreciated but in the UK and Nigeria. How did it all start?my She says, “I’ve always loved music, as far as I can remember. I started singing when I was about 7 in Sunday school and all through school – from primary school. I just found myself drawn to performance – acting, singing, dancing, etc. Name it, I was always available.”
Why did she choose gospel music? She says, “Gospel because I love the Lord, and I love to sing to Him and about Him. I want the whole world to be drawn to Jesus Christ through my music. And I think I went into gospel music industry prepared in my mind that even if I don’t make money from it, there’s no looking back for me. For me, it’s not the financial gains that matters, but the satisfaction of fulfilling purpose and blessing lives.”
Tosin grew up in Ibadan in western Nigeria. Her parents were teachers and she’s the 3rd child of 6 for her mum. She says, “I’m from a very humble background, so I learned hard work from a very tender age and I believe that’s helped build me into the very independent woman that I am today. My father passed away in 1996 and his death is what prompted me to rededicate my life to Christ as I was backslidden at that point.”
She studied studied Physiotherapy from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. She got married in 2003, and relocated to the U.K in 2005 with her husband.
Does Tosin work 24/7? She says, “I have different ways of relaxing. Sometimes I just take time off work and stay at home for a few days on my own while the kids are at school. We also have occasional family holidays where we just go away for a few days and spend time together. I enjoy reading and swimming. How does she balance work and music? She says “I mostly just take time off work whenever I’m recording or have any engagement during the week. It means I have less holidays, but hey, that’s the sacrifice I have to make for the ministry.”
How’s Life in the UK for Tosin compared to Nigeria? “Life in U.K. has its pros and cons. The amenities that make life easier are readily available. However, you tend to do everything yourself; school runs, housework etc. No drivers or housemaids – you do it all except you’re very wealthy and can afford the luxury ”
In terms of economy, we all know that U.K. is currently thriving more than Nigeria is and I think that’s mainly down to how the resources of both countries are being managed. I must say we live a much more comfortable life here than we did back home with a lot more opportunities for us. Politics, I think is the same everywhere except that there is accountability in the U.K. by the government.
Tosin currently works in the health sector (NHS) as a Physiotherapist in the UK. She hopes to go into music full time though. In her words, “That’s the ultimate goal, but for now I have to work in order to fund the music.” She currently has 8 singles: which are: You’re Precious and it’s Remix; Beautiful; Thankful and it’s Remix; Love Is; and Amazing Grace and it’s Remix. She says her album is cooking.
Seeing her huge following on Instagram, I had to as how she got to this point. Her reply was humbling, She said, “You know what? I myself can’t really explain that. Sometimes I pinch myself to be sure I’m seeing straight. But all thanks to God for giving me visibility – it’s by His grace!
There are a couple of collaborations in her album, a worship song with Onos, and an upbeat dance song with Pat Uwaje King. It’s indeed an album to watch out for.
What advice does Tosin have for those just starting out?
“To stay focused on the vision, not be distracted or discouraged by slow progress or other people’s successes especially their counterparts who do secular music. Ours is a ministry and we have to make impacting lives a priority and that should be our main goal. If God has truly called you to the ministry, then He will prosper you in it, however you have to prove yourself as faithful in little before much could be committed into your hands.”
For more information about Tosin Oyelakin kindly visit tosinoyelakin.com
It’s been a pleasure again bringing to you yet another episode of #TheInspiredDream.
Missed this? You can also read up about our interview with Adebayo Adekoya here
I’m yours truly,
Leke Ademo
(Your personal Brand Strategist)
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