Rapper
Singer
TOBi is a multiple JUNO winning rapper and singer, born in Nigeria, moving to Brampton as a child. He quickly found an outlet in writing and performing music. Voted by Complex Magazine as “a top artist to watch,” TOBi has received critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, i-D, COLORS, PAPER, and Sway In The Morning.
His project, ELEMENTS Vol. 1 was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, and won the JUNO for Rap Recording of the Year in 2021. He was also Nominated for Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year and he performed at the Opening Night Award Ceremony. Prior to this album, TOBi released his debut STILL in May 2019, exploring themes of vulnerability, post traumatic growth, self-reflection and masculinity in his time emigrating from Nigeria to Canada. The JUNO love continued in 2022 and 2023 with back-to-back nominations for Songwriter Of The Year and another win for best Rap Album/EP of the year for his EP Shall I Continue?.
Most recently, TOBi has released singles including “Flowers” featuring MAVI and “All Night Long” featuring Topaz Jones – setting the tone for the album that precedes them. TOBi’s latest album PANIC is out now, in what is sure to be a true breakout year for TOBi and his unapologetic soul music. On top of recording and performing, TOBi is a co-founder of UNPACK Community, a series of discussions on mental wellness in creative fields.
Growing up and developing as a rapper in Brampton was a formative experience for me. I didn’t have much of a space to connect with other youth and artists at the time. That is why I am excited to work with BAO to create more opportunities for musicians and support the next generation of Brampton artists.