Tobi Tokz who is also known as Michael Oluwatobi Bhadmus has turned a new leaf.
Tobi Tokz whosea music is propelled by a fusion sound of true afrobeat rhythms, soft vocal tones, pop sensibilities, and influences from black British music
The former circular musician has changed to Gospel Artist. In this interview with Vangaurd, he stated his reasons
You’ve had great success in the Afrobeat scene. Can you tell us about some of the highlights of your career before you took a break?
I’ve had a few but keeping things short, I’d say the main highlight has been performing at the African Food Network Festival in Abuja. It was great to experience the different kinds of food on display, the energetic crowd and having an opportunity to see firsthand multiple artists performing to a diverse audience.
Looking back, how do you feel about the music you created? Is there anything you would have done differently?
In as much as I enjoyed the experience at the time, the music I created I now believe wasn’t the will of God for my life. So if I had to look back it will be with regret because I was not open enough to God at the time for Him to change me and my way of thinking. Consequently, I was not able to understand or accept what he wanted for me. So if I had to do anything differently, it would have been to do what God wanted
Last year, you decided to take a break from the music industry. What led to that decision?
I took a break from the music industry because my brother passed away.
How did stepping away from music impact your life, both personally and professionally?
Answer – From a personal perspective, stepping away from the type/genre of music I was doing allowed me to be more in tune with God and hear his voice more audibly. From a professional perspective, the only way I was impacted was that I was unable to continue with a few collaborations with other artists that was planned and in place to be actioned.
The death of my brother coincided with me reborn and giving my life to God. It was a gradual and steady transition. I was born into a Christian home. I was in the choir in Church where I also sang and played the drums. As a youngster, I’d always had the desire inside of me to go down the gospel route. Whilst I was in college, i’d written quite a few Christian songs. I even performed at a few shows in the UK like the KingsStock festival. However, when I started university I began to get heavily influenced by the growing Afrobeats culture. Rather than infuse the lyrics I had written promulgating the gospel with the beats I liked, I went towards a different direction. Romans 12:2 says “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” I did the opposite of what Romans 12:2 said. Though my lyrics then were not explicit, violent or provocative, I chose to focus on Love and Relationships. I should have listened to the still small voice inside of me which I believe was the Holy Spirit urging me to share the gospel and positively impact the world through my songs
How does gospel music resonate with you differently compared to Afrobeat? How are you approaching the creation of your new music, and how does it differ from your previous process in Afrobeat?
Answer – Gospel music resonate with me differently compared to afrobeats because whenever I listen to or I’m writing gospel songs my mind remains on the things of the Spirit and I believe that boosts the growth of my spirit man.
When I used to write afrobeat songs I’d get inspiration from my environment but the creation of Gospel songs which I’ve started writing again has come from the Holy Spirit speaking to me, as well as through dreams and when I study the word of God (Bible)
Has your faith or spiritual journey been a key factor in your decision to make gospel music?
Answer – I have a God given gift to sing. I believe God called me many years ago but I lost my way. Like the prodigal son, I’ve found my way back home and my aim now is to convey Gods message through gospel music. I aim to be forever obedient.
Do you feel that going through that period of your life has made you a stronger artist?
Most definitely. God has saved me from many dire situations I found myself in over the years. If it was not for the Grace of God I won’t be where I am today. I recognise this and this has made my faith in him stronger than ever; consequently also making me a stronger artist in the process.
What can your fans expect from you as a gospel artist? Do you have any collaborations or special projects you’re currently working on?
Mark 16:15 says “Go everywhere in the world, tell the Good news to everyone” That is precisely what my fans can expect from me which is to convey the word of God in order for it to settle on their hearts and have a positive impact on their life. Heaven is the Goal. As it stands I do not have any collaborations or special projects I’m working on, nevertheless I am always open to working with like minded individuals so as long as it’s the will of God.
How do you see your career evolving from here? Do you plan to stay in gospel music long-term, or do you see yourself blending genres in the future?
So as long as I have breath in my body, I will praise and worship God all the days of my life. I do not have plans to blend genres.
Just like in 2 Timothy 4:2, the way I see my careers evolving from here is that I’ll get to the point whereby through my songs people will Learn, understand right from wrong and be encouraged.
As someone who has experienced different phases in music, what advice would you give to artists going through similar challenges or transformations?
The advice I can give artists going through similar challenges or transformations is to pray that their ears and heart are in tune with Gods instructions/will for their lives. In Corinthians 14:33 it says “God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace. This is the rule for all the meetings of God’s people.”
Finally, what’s the one thing you want people to know about Tobi Tokz as he embarks on this new chapter of his career?
What I want people to know about Tobi Tokz as I embark on this new chapter of my life is that I am here: Reborn to Praise and Worship God.
