Nigeria's gospel music community is in mourning after the death of popular singer Toluwanisings. His family confirmed in a statement on his Instagram page that he died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, according to reports by Premium Times and The Guardian Nigeria.
News of his death first spread on social media on Wednesday afternoon, leading to hours of uncertainty before the family's confirmation.
The family announced "the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM)", according to The Guardian Nigeria. They described him as "a dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister."
The statement asked the public to pray for his wife, relatives and loved ones, and said: "Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course."
The family did not disclose the cause or place of death. Talk Talk is not speculating on the circumstances.
Toluwanisings, born Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, was a gospel singer, songwriter and music minister who led the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry. He was known for lively praise songs and worship music with strong Yoruba influences.
According to Premium Times, he developed an interest in music as a child and sang in church choirs before building a career as a gospel artiste. His sound blended traditional Nigerian gospel with contemporary styles, helping him build a strong following on social media and streaming platforms.
His popular songs include "Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo", "Unreserved Praise", "A Very Big God", "Onibuore", "Eleda" and "I'm Not Alone". He also worked with well-known gospel musicians including Tosin Bee and Adeyinka Alaseyori, Premium Times reports.
In July 2026, Toluwanisings and members of his crew survived a road accident when their bus was involved in a crash with a fully loaded trailer while returning from a gospel ministration. He shared photos of the damaged vehicle on Instagram at the time, writing: "We survived what could have claimed our lives."
The Guardian Nigeria notes that the family's announcement did not mention that accident, and there is no information linking it to his death.
Nigerian entertainers have paid tribute to the singer. Premium Times reports that actor Rotimi Salami, comedian Ayo Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, Olamide "Dele Omo Woli" Mayungbe and Boye Best were among those who mourned him.
Woli Agba wrote that "a voice that brought joy, touched souls, and made beautiful memories has gone silent too soon."
YEN.com.gh also reported tributes from Nollywood stars including Funke Akindele and Muyiwa Ademola, while fellow gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba also spoke publicly about his death.
The confirmation came after hours in which fans shared unverified claims online, a pattern that has become common when public figures die suddenly. Family members and friends of artistes have often urged the public to wait for official statements before spreading news, out of respect for the bereaved.
According to Premium Times, Toluwanisings is survived by his wife and two children.
Nigeria has one of the largest gospel music scenes in Africa, and Yoruba-language praise and worship music is especially popular in churches and at events across the country and the diaspora. Artistes like Toluwanisings play a central role in church life, leading worship at services, crusades and concerts.
His songs were also enjoyed by gospel fans in Ghana and other West African countries, where Nigerian praise music is widely played in churches.
Fans will be waiting for the family's announcement on funeral arrangements. Talk Talk extends its condolences to his family, friends and fans.
