Ilorin, a city known for its calm rhythm and deep culture, raised one of Nigeria’s most intriguing new voices in music. For Tolibian, born and bred in this city, the journey has always been about growth, faith, and the slow discovery of self through sound. His music carries a blend of spirituality and street energy, with a strong influence of Yoruba rhythm and an airy Arabian tone that gives his songs a distinct feel. The story of Tolibian is one of finding clarity through experience, expressed most vividly in his latest project, 'Adisa.'
Growing up, music was always present around him. His parents were not entertainers, but they loved classic Nigerian music. “The kind of music my parents listened to inspired the kind of music I’m doing today,” he said, reflecting on their influence. He grew up hearing legends like Fela and Barrister, sounds that shaped his understanding of rhythm, message, and melody. Those memories became the first pieces of his musical identity.
Interestingly, Tolibian did not start his creative journey with music. He began with comedy skits on social media. His early content helped him build confidence and taught him how to connect emotionally with an audience. The switch to music happened almost by accident. While helping a friend who was a musician, he often provided background vocals during freestyle sessions. Over time, he discovered that the process felt natural. “From there, I felt like I was falling in love with doing music,” he said. “I started doing my own freestyles, acapella, using random YouTube beats.”
The response online was encouraging. Viewers pushed him to take music more seriously. He followed their advice, released his own tracks, and in 2020 dropped "Abaya". That was the moment he knew he had to transition fully into music.
Tolibian’s influences are wide-ranging. He draws energy from Fuji music and looks up to artists like Olamide, Burna Boy, and Wande Coal. Their versatility inspired him to explore different directions while staying authentic. “I’m still trying to design and pattern a specific sound so that when you listen to Tolibian, you know that it is this guy,” he said.
That process began to take shape with his debut EP 'Alien' in 2023. The project captured the curiosity of an artist testing different sounds while holding onto his roots. It showed a young musician willing to take risks, to sing about faith, and to mix traditional elements with modern production. Beneath the experimentation was a clear thread of identity and emotion.
'Alien' laid the foundation for 'Adisa' his new project. The name, which means “the one who makes things clear” in Yoruba, represents a personal and artistic turning point. “'Adisa' is about the clarity of myself, clarity of my purpose, and clarity in this journey of music that I’m pursuing,” he said. Each song reflects a piece of his life: moments of joy, struggle, faith, and reflection. 'Adisa' feels like a statement of understanding. If 'Alien' was the sound of searching, 'Adisa' is the sound of finding direction.
Between both projects came the breakout moment that put him on many playlists: "Ramadan."The song was released quietly, then went viral a year later. Its message of devotion and gratitude struck a chord with listeners. “I’ve always had "Ramadan" before it blew online,” he said. “I was not expecting it to go global or be viral like that, given the fact that it was a year after I dropped it.” Watching the song spread renewed his confidence. “It uplifted my spirit. I wasn’t expecting it. It just felt good.”
That success made him more confident in blending faith with sound. Growing up in a devout Muslim family, he was surrounded by Arabic melodies, Islamic recitations, and the culture of Ilorin, a city where spirituality is woven into daily life. His music reflects those influences. “It is just my environment, growing up and my upbringing that inspired that,” he said. The Arabian tones that appear in his songs are not trends but reflections of who he is. 'Adisa' builds on that identity. It captures the lessons of patience and resilience he has gathered over time. The project is intimate and grounded, showing an artist becoming more self-assured. “It means believing in your natural abilities, because believing in them alone will always carry you, no matter the profession you are in,” he explained.
Tolibian’s process of creating music starts with melody. He lets the sound guide the story. “Mostly, I love to start with melody and on the run, fit in a story that matches and fits the lyrics,” he said. Sometimes the story is his own. Other times it comes from the experiences of others. He treats music as a conversation, balancing truth and imagination.
When it comes to collaboration, he values connection over convenience. “I love collaboration when it feels real, when it is not me trying to force a vibe or impose anything on someone,” he said. He believes the best music happens naturally, without pressure.
The Nigerian music scene is constantly shifting, and standing out requires both patience and creativity. Tolibian is aware of the pace but refuses to chase trends. “The music industry now is kind of saturated, and there are different sounds everywhere,” he said. “The only way for me to not get carried away is just to stay consistent and to keep exploring the way I’ve always done.” He sees longevity as a result of staying grounded, not copying others.
Looking ahead, Tolibian is already thinking of his next chapter. “They should be expecting an album,” he said. “I’ve dropped two bodies of work, which are EPs. The next thing to do now for me, I think it’s an album.” The statement feels both ambitious and calm, like an artist who knows his pace.
In 'Adisa,' Tolibian reaches a point of realization. Clarity does not come overnight. It builds through small decisions, through moments of doubt and discovery. His journey began in Ilorin, shaped by family and faith, tested by experience, and defined by growth. It moved through comedy, through freestyles recorded in small rooms, through songs that went unnoticed until the right time came. Now, standing in this new phase, Tolibian is ready for what comes next. ‘Adisa’ is a reflection of an artist coming into focus, guided by belief, consistency, and clarity.