Toby Foyeh facts for kids

Toby Foyeh is a talented musician from London, England. He is known for blending different music styles. Toby was born to Nigerian parents and now lives in the Washington, D.C. area of the US.

Even though he mostly taught himself, Toby also studied music. He attended Berklee College of Music and Howard University. At Howard, he also earned a degree in Film Directing.

Toby Foyeh has released several albums. These include Here I Come, Jalolo, and Lagos Ilu Eko. His album Pirates of Africa came out in 2019. African Festival was released in September 2021.

Toby has performed a lot on Nigerian TV. His music videos have been popular for many years. With his band, Orchestra Africa, he has played in many countries. These include the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Toby Foyeh's Early Life and School

Toby Foyeh was born in London, England. He spent most of his childhood in Western Nigeria. Later, he moved to the USA for university.

He is the fifth child of Chief Babatunji Olowofoyeku. His father was a Nigerian politician. He was also the Attorney General of the Western Region in Nigeria's First Republic (1960-1966).

From age 5, Toby went to Children's Home School in Ibadan. He then moved to Abadina School at the University of Ibadan. He finished primary school at St Johns School, Iloro, Ilesha.

After St Johns School, Toby went to King's College, Lagos, Nigeria. He also attended International School Ibadan in Nigeria. After high school, he moved to the US. He studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He also went to Howard University in Washington, D.C..

Toby Foyeh's Music Career

Toby started playing music when he was young. He played in school bands in Nigeria. He also played while studying in the United States. His parents hoped he would become an engineer, doctor, or lawyer. This was a common expectation in Nigeria. However, Toby chose to follow his passion for music.

Toby wanted to mix traditional Nigerian and African music with modern styles. He aimed to create a new sound. He formed a band with some high school friends. This band later toured America with Hugh Masekela's Ojah Band.

Toby has also produced music for other artists. He has worked on African, Jazz, and Soul music projects. He collaborated with Roy Carter (from Heatwave (band)). He also worked with Jake Sollo (from Osibisa) and Saul Malinga (Ipi Tombi). Another artist he worked with was Orlando Julius Ekemode.

Toby Foyeh's Music Style and Inspirations

Toby Foyeh's early music influences came from West Africa. These included Haruna Ishola, Victor Uwaifo, and Fela Kuti. From the USA, he was inspired by artists like Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and George Benson.

His music combines many different styles. These include Yoruba Traditional, Africa Jam, Afro Beat, and Highlife. He also blends Pop, Rock, Funk, and Jazz into his sound.

Awards and Achievements

Toby Foyeh has received several awards and honors:

• He earned a scholarship for his final year at Howard University in Washington, D.C..
• He also received a scholarship for two years at International School Ibadan, Nigeria.
• In April 2000, he won the International World Music Award in Boston. This was for his contributions to music and arts worldwide.
• His song "Ore Mi" is his most successful single. It was released on his first album, Here I Come.

Toby Foyeh's Music Albums

Toby has released many CDs and vinyl singles over nearly 40 years.

• Here I Come (1981)
• "Danger Zone" (with Andy Sodjka) (1984)
• "I'm a winner (Covergirl)" (1985)
• "Stay With Me (Covergirl)" (1986)
• "Hollywood City" (1986)
• Jalolo (UK) (1991)
• Jalolo (USA) (1999)
• Ilu Eko (Lagos) (2006)
• "Ore Mi" (single, 2017)
• Pirates of Africa (2019)
• African Festival (2021)

His music has been released on labels like Taretone Records, Space Station Records, Kameleon and Kameleon Africa Records, and Toby Foyeh Soundway Records.

Toby Foyeh's Tours and Performances

Toby Foyeh and his band, Orchestra Africa, have performed at many places. They have played at US universities and performing arts centers. These include Kennedy Center and Cerritos Center in Cerritos, California.

The UK-based saxophonist Tunday Akintan has toured with Foyeh's band. TolumiDE, a US-based singer, performs as a backup vocalist and opening act.

The band has toured all over the world. They have played at many International Jazz Festivals. Some of these include:

• Malta Jazz Festival
• Toronto Jazz Festival (three times)
• Montreal International Jazz Festival
• Vancouver Jazz Festival
• Calgary Jazz Festival
• Detroit Jazz Festival
• Washington DC Jazz Festival
• Fuji Rock Festival in Niigata, Japan

They have also performed in Nigeria and London, England.

Toby Foyeh's Family

Toby Foyeh has 14 brothers and two sisters. They live in the US, the UK, and Nigeria.

One of his younger brothers is Abimbola Olowofoyeku. He is a professor of Law at Brunel University London. Toby's youngest sister is Hollywood actress Folake Olowofoyeku.

His nephew, Kwame Jackson, was the runner-up in NBC's 2004 show The Apprentice. This show was hosted by Donald Trump. Another nephew, Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku, was part of the Kugali team. This team created Iwájú, a Nigerian animated mini-series for Disney+. It was released in February 2024.