"As a child growing up in Nigeria, Tosin was drawn to music of various origins through his father's
vast album collection, which included artists from around the world. Tosin's initial education in
music started from consciously listening to those records, as well as reading the liner notes. Tosin
also imbibed the indigenous sounds of his homeland with passion. These sounds reflect in his compositions.
As a person of Pan-African viewpoint, Tosin professes that, "my music is a mixture of African rhythmic
idioms and elements of jazz and blues, with lyrics of hope, love and human realities."
"In 2016, Tosin appeared at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention as a clinician/performer.
In 2014, Tosin received the Individual Artist Awards for World Music Compositions from the Maryland State
Arts Council. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, Tosin was nominated for the Wammie Awards for "best world music
instrumentalist" by the Washington Area Music Association. Tosin has appeared on the MTV’s Realworld
Show performing his Drum Monologue. Tosin has also appeared on Fox 5 News with his group, Afrikan Rhapsody.
On the bandleader/producer side, Tosin has released 4 albums (What's On Your Mind, 2006; Drum Monologue,
2008; Restoration, 2012; Life Begins, 2013). His most recent projects are some singles released in 2015
and 2016, which include an afro-jazzy remix of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”. His band has performed, both
as headliner and opening act, at various festivals and jazz venues. Tosin continues to develop his musical
concept, teach and conduct workshops."
(Excerpts from Tosin's website Bio)
OUT: SOUL ODYSSEY (2026):
Tosin Aribisala Ayanmo - Soul Odyssey (2026) "He labels his direction in music Alternative Afrobeat.
The music of the Nigerian-American composer, percussionist and vocalist - Tosin Aribisala - speaks highly of
his multidimensional approach to his music – a fusion of jazz, gospel, rock, folk, Afrobeat and Yoruba rhythms.
Over the years, Tosin has drawn inspirations from his musical influences: Tony Allen, Fela Kuti, Art Blakey,
Bob Marley, Weather Report (Joe Zawinul) and Sting... Ayanmo’s first release is Soul Odyssey by US-based Nigerian
virtuoso and master drummer Tosin Aribisala. It features two original tracks and a remix by DJ/producer Doug Gomez
from Merecumbe Records. Traditional Afrobeat influences this work with a dynamic fusion of rhythms and melodies."
HONORING HARUNA:
A mini documentaryTosin Aribisala presents a mini documentary on the music of the late legendary Haruna Ishola - the rare gem of Apala music of the Yoruba People. Filled with some performances of some of Haruna Ishola's tunes, this short documentary takes viewers on a journey of the cultural dimension of Haruna's music, and his influence on musicians of his time and beyond.
HONORING HARUNA:
A mini documentaryTosin Aribisala presents a mini documentary on the music of the late legendary Haruna Ishola - the rare gem of Apala music of the Yoruba People. Filled with some performances of some of Haruna Ishola's tunes, this short documentary takes viewers on a journey of the cultural dimension of Haruna's music, and his influence on musicians of his time and beyond.
ARTICLE:
Tosin Aribisala drops new single ‘The Big Illusion’
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"Nigerian Afrobeat artist, percussionist and vocalist, Tosin Aribisala recently
released his single ‘The Big Illusion’ featuring five time Grammy Award winner,
Arturo O’Farrill and The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. The collaboration started in
2018 when Tosin and Arturo got together for a project honoring the works of the
legendary Fela Kuti and the music of Latin America, drawing the connection between
the two cultural entities. A synchronicity that even reflects in the birth date of
both artists – June 22. A cross-cultural musical exchange between Africa and Latin
America, with a phenomenal result."
~ Bolaji Alonge - Eyes of a Lagos Boy
Tosin Live at Analog in Brooklyn
"The Nigerian-American singer/songwriter and drummer Tosin played at Analog down
in the part of Gowanus, Brooklyn that’s somehow still pretty industrial. Drawing from
his new album Africa Rising, Tosin and his band enthusiastically ripped through a set
of Afrobeat-inflected tunes."
~ Ben Richmond - afropop.org
VIDEO INTERVIEWS:
My Creative Heart interview with Tosin (FULL)Music Time in Africa presents TOSIN with Host Heather Maxwell
Vic Firth Interview - Tosin Aribisala: Game-Changing Moment
VIDEOS:
TOSIN - New Moon DanceVic Forth - Performance Spotlight: Tosin Aribisala
Vic Forth - Tosin Aribisala - "Happiness" by Pharrell Williams
