Family members, friends and colleagues of late gospel singer Bayonile Olayemi, popularly known as Toluwanisings, gathered in Ibadan on Tuesday for a night of tributes celebrating his life and musical legacy.
Jogor Centre was filled with fans and colleagues dressed in white to honour the singer, who died on October 14, leaving behind a wife and two daughters.
His wife, Damilola Olayemi, fought back emotions as she appealed to her late husband not to forget her and their children.
Gospel singer Peterson Okopi described the deceased as a joyful person who made others feel special.
“He was a very joyful human being who was always happy. We should live a good life as he did because tomorrow is not promised,” he said.
Okopi urged the widow to trust God and remain steadfast in her faith.
Another gospel singer, Laolu Gbenjo, said one of Toluwanisings’ songs had helped him through a difficult period, adding that the singer’s death had left a void that could not be filled.
“He was very straightforward with a pure heart. He didn’t have a clique; he was a friend to all. He was a pure man; he was all about peace,” Gbenjo said.
Nollywood actress Bimbo Oshin said she never imagined paying tribute to the singer so soon, describing him as a unique person who remained cheerful despite past challenges.
She recalled that Toluwanisings had ministered at her late husband’s wake five years earlier without collecting payment.
“It hurts that he is no longer with us. To his wife, I know it would be very difficult, but I pray that the Lord be with you and the girls,” she said.
Another actress, Yusroh Akinola, popularly known as Damilola Royal, said the singer had made a lasting impact on people within a short time.
One of his band members described him as an “angel in human form”, saying he consistently sought the best for those around him.
Meanwhile, songwriter Oluwatosin Alao cautioned against spreading negative narratives about the deceased and called for support for his widow.
Following the singer’s death, his father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, disputed reports that his son was 44 years old.
He said the singer was born in July 1992, making him 34 at the time of his death, and was initially given the Muslim name Sodiq before later embracing Christianity.
