The gospel singer's family is asking the public to help his wife and children after his death on October 14.
A night of tributes and a service of songs in honour of gospel singer Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings, has been announced by his family. The gathering is due to take place on Tuesday, October 27, at 3pm, in the Hall of Grace inside Jogor Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The family shared the invitation on the singer's social media page on October 21.
A few hours after he ministered at a praise concert in Ibadan organised by fellow gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba, Toluwanisings died on October 14.
The family's invitation opened with a line about his legacy:
"Some lives leave footprints that time can never erase."
The post went on to describe the evening as "a night of love, reflection, heartfelt tributes, cherished memories, and thanksgiving to God," with the family expressing grief while holding on to faith.
Alongside the invitation, the family made a separate appeal titled "A Call for Love and Support", asking Nigerians to help his wife and children. The post came with a flier showing bank account details for contributions. "As we mourn the loss of our beloved brother, let us stand with his wife during this difficult season," the family said. "Every contribution, no matter how small, is a gesture of love and compassion," the statement added.
His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, has recounted the singer's final moments. He said Toluwanisings was "fine and in perfect condition" before he suddenly slumped, and that attempts were made to resuscitate him. He said the singer was taken to eight hospitals in Ibadan, all of which refused to admit him, giving various reasons.
Many people, including celebrities, have accused the Nigerian government of being responsible for his death, citing what they see as an inability to provide an adequate health care system for its citizens.
The singer had a reputation for lively praise numbers, gospel music inspired by Yoruba culture, and modern worship recordings. Among his well-known songs are A Very Big God, Eleda and I'm Not Alone. On October 17, at the Night of Elevation, a Christian worship event, Bidemi Olaoba performed Kabiysei Olorun Ayo, one of Toluwanisings' signature songs, just days after his passing.
The night of tributes is set for 3pm on Tuesday, October 27, at the Hall of Grace in Jogor Centre, and guests are asked to dress in white.
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