Toby Foyeh is a British-Nigerian musician, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and bandleader known for his rich blend of Yoruba traditional music, highlife, afrobeat, jazz, funk, rock, and pop. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the artists who helped push African music into new creative directions while staying deeply connected to his cultural roots.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Tokunbo Olowofoyeku |
| Date of birth | February 1952 |
| Place of birth | London, England |
| Nationality | British-Nigerian-American |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | Yes |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter, guitarist, producer, bandleader |
| Record label | Taretone Records, Space Station Records, Kameleon/Kameleon Africa Records, Toby Foyeh Soundwave Records |
| Net worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
Early Life and Education
Toby Foyeh was born in London to Nigerian parents but spent much of his childhood in Western Nigeria. He grew up in a family with strong public and cultural influence, and that background played an important role in shaping his outlook and artistic journey.
He attended schools in Ibadan, Lagos, and Ilesha before moving to the United States for higher studies. He later studied music at Berklee College of Music and Howard University, where he also trained in film directing.
Career
Toby Foyeh began making music at an early age and developed his talent through school bands and local performances in Nigeria. As he grew older, he began experimenting with different sounds and gradually formed a style that combined African rhythms with western musical influences.
He went on to perform and record with several groups before becoming widely known for his own band, Orchestra Africa. His music has taken him to stages in Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Japan, where he has continued to showcase African music in a modern and global way.
Beyond performing, he has also worked as a producer and collaborator, helping to shape music for other artists across different genres. His career reflects both artistry and cultural preservation, and he remains respected for the originality of his sound.
Personal Life
Toby Foyeh comes from the well-known Olowofoyeku family and is related to several public figures, including actress Folake Olowofoyeku. He is also the uncle of entrepreneur Kwame Jackson.
He keeps much of his personal life private, so there is very little confirmed public information about his partner or children. What is clear is that he comes from a large family and has maintained a strong connection to his roots.
Net Worth
Toby Foyeh’s net worth is estimated at around $500,000 to $1 million. This estimate is based on his long music career, performances, recordings, and work as a producer.
Discography
Some of his notable songs include:
- Here I Come
- Danger Zone
- I’m a Winner
- Stay With Me
- Hollywood City
- Jalolo
- Ilu Eko (Lagos)
- Ore Mi
- Pirates of Africa
- African Festival
Awards and Recognition
Toby Foyeh has received recognition for his contribution to African music and cultural expression. He also earned scholarship awards during his education, including support for his final year at Howard University and two years at International School Ibadan.
