TOMMYPHYLL. His sound is smooth and melodic. Balladic in nature, his songs tell a cohesive, coherent story, and get you dancing. This producer-artist is artfully stealing the scene with an experimental sound that combines Afrobeats, Electronic melodies and traditional orchestral arrangements. AFRODIEM, he calls it.

With a range of tunes from the Afro-futuristic CELLULA to the more lo-fi SUN-SHINE, Nigerian-born Tomiwa Omolayo is carving his own distinct way into both African and global music history. Welcome to the wonder that is him.

Firstly, where does the name “Tommyphyll” come from?

It’s a personal message to myself: “Reach for Greatness, stay grounded.”‍

Tell us about your journey as an Afro-musician. How did you get started in the industry?

The Journey has been wonderful and eventful in so many ways.

I officially got my start in 2014, when I first started producing music. However, I only did my first release in the summer of 2018, a song I also produced called “Tabula Rasa”. I had gotten tired of hiding my gift so I decided to share it.

Can you discuss any challenges you’ve faced as an Afro-musician and how you’ve overcome them?

As an African artist in Canada making experimental music, there is the challenge of reaching new audiences while trying to get airplay on the radio. The Canadian music industry is still heavily dominated by blues, country, pop and hip-hop. So, as an independent artist, a lot of work goes into getting that recognition.

To overcome these challenges, I have had to be resourceful, network and build relationships, and actively seek out opportunities to showcase my music and build my brand. There are several resources available to Black, immigrant, independent musicians, and more should be put in place. As I create, I hope those who see my progress understand that they can make their dreams a reality too.

How does your African heritage influence your music and songwriting?

I grew up singing and listening to a lot of traditional songs and hymns along with several folktales. My heritage is always influencing my music whether I think about it or not. As a result, I write songs like I'm telling a story.

Though I’m a Yoruba man from Nigeria, I have both a local and an international perspective, and both are heavily present in my music. I was an international student for quite some time so I try to translate my experience as an immigrant into my music. Moving to a new country to start your life is hard and I want all those who listen to my music to know that they aren't alone.

What has been the most memorable moment or performance of your career so far?

It was a late night in the summer of 2022. I was opening for the amazing Nigerian artist, L.A.X. The venue was packed and the energy from the crowd was surreal! As I heard them sing along and connect with my lyrics, I knew that I was in the right place doing a great thing. I’ll never forget that night.

How do you see the Afro-music scene evolving in the future?

I believe it's going to become the new pop globally. It will be a standalone category at all global award shows. The sound itself is a representation of growth that never discriminates. When humans begin to conquer the stars, AFROBEATS and all its subgenres will be there. Just imagine listening to Tommyphyll on a Martian radio.

How do you balance traditional African elements with modern sounds in your music?

As someone with several interests and sources of inspiration, I find it difficult to just make one type of music. So, I created a fusion of all the sounds I enjoy. I used Afrobeats percussion as the foundation for this sound, then combined 80s synth pop and traditional orchestral elements with an extra hidden component. I call the sound AFRODIEM.

How do you stay true to your roots while also appealing to a global audience?

My lyrics are in English, Yoruba and Pidgin. But there are elements of being a person that transcend race, belief or culture and I focus on those elements when I make music. That way, my music is relatable to anyone from all walks of life.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as a musician?

I listen and try my best to fill my mind with things that inspire me to keep searching. God speaks and I try my best to listen. The earth and nature are always making music so I learn from it. I will always be inspired.

Can you give us a sneak peek into your creative process when writing and recording new music?

Oh for sure.

My creative process truly varies. Sometimes I produce the instrumental first and the lyrics follow and other times, the reverse is the case.

I like to wear my Crocs slides when I work on the music; they're comfortable.

I've got different plants in my studio and a cup of Chamomile tea goes a long way. I also burn some Palo Santo, but I get most of my ideas when I'm in the shower. There’s just something about that cold water white noise combo.

How do you connect with your audience during live performances, and make your shows interactive and engaging?

For me, eye contact is key. In a room filled with 500 people, I want each person to feel as though they were having a private lyrical conversation with me. I like to perform with my audience. It's our song, so you will hear a lot of calls and responses. The energy is always electrifying. And as the shows I play get bigger, I’ll come up with creative ways to keep that energy and connection. You can’t come to a Tommyphyll show and feel alone!

Do you have any upcoming tours or shows planned?

Yes, I’m currently planning my Canada-wide tour. I’ll announce the dates shortly, but I will be opening for NSG in March when they come to Winnipeg.

I’m personally excited to watch the evolution of Tommyphyll into an extraterrestrial superstar. In the meantime though, I’d suggest you give him a listen here on Earth.

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