Abubakar Abdulmutolib Ottan, widely known as Tolibian, is a dynamic singer and songwriter hailing from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. He initially garnered significant attention on social media platforms through a series of captivating freestyles, showcasing his unique ability to seamlessly fuse diverse genres, from Afrobeat and Apala to various Amapiano subgenres.
Tolibian’s breakthrough arrived with his viral hit, “Ramadan,” which became an unofficial anthem for the holy month. The track not only soared into the nation’s top 10 music charts but also led to collaborations with prominent artists like Odumodu Black and BoJ on its remix.
More than just a viral sensation, Tolibian is a rapidly emerging force in the Nigerian music industry. His latest single, “Oblee,” serves as a poignant reminder to stay grounded and not forget one’s roots amidst external distractions and success. This relatable narrative, inspired by Tolibian’s personal experiences, offers both a cautionary tale and an infectious vibe.
FULL INTERVIEW
How does it feel to be on the first edition of our publication?
I feel honored. I feel blessed. I feel good because I’m part of something great.
Do you follow trends or you create your own style?
Big shoutout to Pinterest. Big shoutout to everybody that has a good fashion sense. I mean that’s my source of inspiration. Sometimes, I work with my wardrobe, other times I work with Dre, Astro. Big shoutout to Astro, he styled me. All glammed by Astro and big shoutout to King Davies.
What is the inspiration behind your latest song Oblee?
Oblee was inspired by my true life story, and I felt like “what is the best way to make it relatable for everybody”? It’s like a warning. At the same time, it’s a vibe.
How do you deal with stage fright and anxiety?
The DIY tip for me to overcome stage fright and anxiety is this popular saying and I quote “no amount of anxiety is going to change what the future holds”. I always take my time to remind myself that I have a limited time with everyone that I meet. We have a limited time in this world too. I try my best to do it right with the limited time I have, come correct and stay open minded. Like that you will have a lot of things you’re focusing on and you will not be able to think about anxiety… speaking for myself though.
At what point did you realize you have to do music professionally?
For someone that doesn’t have a formal knowledge about music, it was from the positive reviews I was getting online. Those reviews gave me like an edge because people kept requesting for more, asking me to turn my freestyles to full song. So big shoutout to everybody supporting.
What is your long term career goal?
I will say, one of the plans I have is to build a platform for struggling talents or anyone that has talent because I believe no one with talent should have to suffer. Though talent might not be enough, I will do my best to make a platform where talents can showcase what God has blessed them with.
Which artist inspired your music and fashion style?
Anybody that does good music is a source of inspiration to me and every pioneer of Afrobeats is my source of inspiration. For Fashion, I just do me most of the time. I don’t have much insight about the fashion industry. Anybody that knows how to put one or two together, they inspire me.
Are you open to trying new genres and collaborating with other artists?
Tolibian is a person of people and I’m still shuffling through life in a person. As a matter of fact, I’m still finding my genre. So I’m open to collabs. Like I said, anybody that does good music, I like them already, so let’s do it. New genre I’m open, collabs I’m open, new fusion, everything I’m open. Let’s show the world what we’re made of. I’m down for it. Let’s cook!!!
Which artist Co-signs motivated you?
When Don Jazzy reached out, I felt like I had arrived even though I hadn’t started anything. You can imagine that feeling.
How do you balance your career with your normal daily life?
I think the only way to balance my music career with my daily life is by actually living. What you see online is what you see in real life. My personality doesn’t change. I’m just living for real. I post whenever I feel like and if I don’t know what to post I don’t post. However, I don’t deprive my fans of the needful content.
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