- Nigerian gospel singer Toluwanisings, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, has died at the age of 41, his family confirmed
- His death sparked confusion and prayers online before the family’s announcement, with the cause of death still undisclosed
- Celebrities, gospel artistes and fans, including Woli Agba and Funke Akindele, paid tribute to the singer, with Woli Agba describing his passing as “sunset at midday”
The Nigerian gospel music community is mourning the death of Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings. His family said he died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14th, 2026, and asked the public to pray for his wife, children and other loved ones. He was 41 years old at the time of his passing.
The family’s announcement, shared through the singer’s official social media pages, brought an end to several hours of uncertainty after reports about his condition began circulating online. However, the statement did not give a cause of death, and funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Toluwanisings: ‘Sunset at midday’ - Woli Agba
Following the family’s announcement, Woli Agba paid tribute to Toluwanisings in an emotional Instagram post. He described the singer’s death as “sunset at midday” and mourned the loss of a voice that had brought joy to listeners.
“Sunset at Midday. Ah! Toluwanisings! An angel just passed on. A VERY UNIQUE VOICE has dropped the microphone and walked off the stage just like that,” Woli Agba wrote.
He said the singer’s departure had left a painful void among his family, colleagues and fans, adding that it was difficult to accept how quickly the news had changed from prayer to mourning. The phrase became one of the most widely shared descriptions of the loss and gives this report its title.
Celebrities, gospel singers react to Toluwanisings' death
The reaction online moved across gospel music, Nollywood and the wider Nigerian entertainment community.
Funke Akindele described Toluwanisings as “such a humble and hard-working gentleman” and prayed for comfort for his loved ones.
Wumi Toriola called the news a “very hard pill to swallow”.
Gospel singer Pelumi Deborah, who said she had spent time with him three days before his death, wrote that they had laughed together shortly before he became a memory.
Bidemi Olaoba and Adeyinka Alaseyori shared messages centred on grief and faith, saying they still regarded God as faithful despite the pain.
Actress Jaiye Kuti posted a video in which she sang Toluwanisings’ songs and prayed for his soul.
Juju artiste Mega 99 called him “a rare gem with a unique voice”.
Who was Toluwanisings?
Toluwanisings was a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and music minister whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji. Reports identify him as being from Ikirun in Osun State and as a trained estate surveyor and valuer.
He built a following through energetic praise performances, spontaneous worship ministrations and Yoruba-influenced gospel music. His recorded and performed repertoire included Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo, Eleda and I’m Not Alone, songs that helped establish his name among contemporary Nigerian gospel audiences.
His ministry reached beyond recordings. He was a regular presence at worship programmes and gospel events, including a monthly worship gathering hosted by Bidemi Olaoba in Ibadan shortly before his death. His colleagues’ tributes repeatedly focused on his voice, energy and ability to lead audiences in praise.
Toluwanisings: Earlier 2026 road accident
Toluwanisings and members of his music crew survived a road accident in July 2026 while returning from a ministration. He shared images of the damaged vehicle and said that the group could have been crushed by a fully loaded trailer, but that everyone was safe.
The earlier accident has been mentioned in reports about his death because of its proximity in time. However, available reporting does not establish a link between that incident and his death. It should not be presented as a cause.
6 facts to know about late gospel singer Aduke Gold
In an earlier report by TheRadar, Nigerians expressed shock over the death of gospel singer Aduke Ajayi, professionally known as Aduke Gold.
While the details of her death and the circumstances surrounding it were sketchy, the singer was said to have been ill for two months. She was admitted to the University College Hospital in Ibadan, where she reportedly passed away on August 12.