Night of Tributes: Tears as Toluwanisings’ lovers, family gather

Lovers and family members of the late Bayonile Olayemi, popularly known as Toluwanisings, gathered on Tuesday for a Night of Tributes to celebrate his life and musical legacy.

It was reported that the venue of the event, Jogor Centre, Ibadan, was filled with admirers dressed in white to celebrate the young gospel artiste.

Toluwanisings died on Oct. 14, leaving behind a wife and two daughters.

The deceased’s wife, Mrs Damilola Olayemi, called on her husband with high emotions not to forget her and the children.

A gospel singer, Peterson Okopi, said the deceased blessed them with his life that made everyone look special in diverse ways.

“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 charged the wife to trust God and believe in Him.

Another gospel singer, Laolu Gbenjo, said that one of the deceased’s songs helped him through a trying time, while believing in God for something.

Gbenjo said that no one could fill the void he had left behind.

“His voice was very distinct and second to none.

“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,” he said.

A Nollywood actress, Bimbo Oshin, said that she didn’t think she would be rendering a tribute in 30 years for the late gospel artiste.

Oshin described Toluwanisings as a special breed and a unique person who was always smiling.

“He never allowed what he faced in the past to affect him.

“Five years ago, when I lost my husband, I called him to minister at my husband’s wake, and he didn’t collect a dime from me.

“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.

“The children will surpass all that their father achieved,” she said.

Another Nollywood actress, Yusroh Akinola, popularly known as Damilola Royal, described him as someone who, within a short time, made a huge mark on everyone.

She said that his legacy would forever be in her heart.

One of his band members said he was speaking the mind of others as he described his late boss as an angel in human form, who wanted the best for everyone.

“He was very keen about everyone being good.

“He wanted the best and always tried within his power to ensure that everyone was good,” he said.

Meanwhile, a songwriter, Oluwatosin Alao, cautioned against the spread of negative narratives about the deceased.

He urged them to stop lest they face God’s wrath.

Alao called on God to trouble whoever had decided to trouble the deceased’s wife.

It was reported that following the singer’s death, his father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, said his son was not 44 years old as publicly announced.

He said he was born in July 1992, making him 34 years old at the time of his death.

The father said the singer was initially given the Muslim name, Sodiq, before he later embraced Christianity.