His romance with music started as a percussionist at such pretty tender age under his late chorister father in their church years ago. As at that time, young Olatunji Majekodunmi Brayan, massively called Tsoya on the beats scene, was actually in love with music. Interestingly, that love became stronger as he grew. But disturbingly, he failed to learn the rudiments of music, as he was so infatuated for the fun of it. Ironically, it was this groovy aspect of his kind of music which is more tilted towards the typical Party type that has since made him a party toast and crowd puller. This was the factor which really pulled our Contributing Editor, IFECHI OKOH, closer to him for details about the vibrant singer and performer rolled into one. We started from there to other interesting gists about him, challenges of being an up-start and other titillating and insightful information about Tsoya. Savour it at your leisure!

Can Tsoya reveal himself fully, starting from his background?

My name is Olatunji Majekodunmi Bryan, but my stage name is Tsoya which appeared to have swallowed the real one. I am from Badagry, a rare community where I grow up back in the days. I must confess that I enjoyed every bit of my stay there. Honestly! My late Dad was a music conductor in our church. I remembered that I used to play drums then backing the choir. Things were really fine! Life was sweet, hence the moment was unforgettable till now. I really cherished my stay with him then.

When did the music bug bite you and what prompt action did you take to show your interest?

I used to listen a lot to Justin Bierer’s music and others as at that time. Interestingly, I was pretty curious to know how they made their music. So, my listening became keener and with the zeal to investigate how they made their songs, I mean writing the lyrics, arrangements and other efforts which eventually led to their successful recordings and final releases. With time, I finally learnt about all the tricks involved through my journal which I used to write songs randomly, even if I don’t really know the song writing process, I was really enthusiastic. That notwithstanding, my interest fired me on. When my Dad noticed my keenness, he dashed me his music deck, which he wrote TJ all over. I was very fascinated to use it to the best of my advantage. I was so engrossed in what I was doing, exploring and exploiting all possible means to make my efforts real. I have to behave as if I was in a radio station studio, live at a point in time. I did all these out of share infatuation, not actually knowing what it takes to be a recording artist.

When did the golden chance to practicalize your dream come?

It all started in the year 2013, when a friend, Chukwudi, thought about taking me to the studio to do a proper song after these years, although he sounded very funny. It was so because I have been writing songs over the years. So how come about somebody coming to tell me to do proper song now? However, I obeyed, using a song done and popularized by May Dee as a reference guide to write my first song. I want to give him a shout out right away for this because his song came handy as at the moment which history has recorded. I remember that my first studio session was fun-filled. I must confess that the happening gave me the necessary psychological kick which made the moment unforgettable till now.

Did you really follow all these instructions and efforts you put in formally on your way to becoming the party puller or toast fans say that you are?

Note quite, the reason being that I am naturally a pragmatist. As one, I study situations and follow my mind which is usually divine inspirations on what to do at that point in time. Since I started doing it, my shows have always been a hot cake affairs. That is people enjoy them and talk about them before me. In fact, that's where my joy lie till date and I thank God for such divine direction and assistance too.

Did such finally give you the expected mileage?

It did because if I had not gone to the studio with my friend, I might not have had any interest in making music because I didn’t plan to be a recording artist. And all these years of learning how to sing and understand music compositions wouldn’t have led me anywhere. I thank God for really making me come a long way as an amateur in music. In 2023, it will be exactly 10 years of recording and these 10 years have been filled with so much ups and downs. In fact, for me, my journey is about to start, ironically.

Can you kindly let us know of your parent’s moral support or otherwise?

First of all, I wish my Dad, Mr Majekodunmi Olatunji, of blessed memory was alive when I started making music, I am sure he would have done so much just to make sure I do well because he was musically-inclined. But my late mum, Adanma Momoh, until she passed away, gave me the huge support of my life as per my music career, starting from day one. I don’t how she did it, but she put my first song on the radio. She called me one afternoon, “TJ turn to Faaji FM by 3pm” and I did, wondering what was going on not until I heard my song and name being mentioned on air. Ever since, I lost my parents, my aunty and uncle took me and my brother in and since then, they have been another chain of support to my music as well. My aunty who gave me the name Tunjizy love and she calls me that nickname a lot. I will never forget one valentine day, when we were having dinner and I played couple of my songs and my aunty started the talk and said TJ, as I am always called at home, why do you always say it loud when calling Tunjizy? As I was trying to explain myself my uncle came to the rescue and said he had to say it loud because I am a brand, and that put so many smiles on my face, hearing them talk about me with passion.

How far did this passion take you?

The way I was brought up, I learnt that it is not by how far but how well. Their support is still taking me to places and I am very grateful to God for that. I am still going far, so we will not know how far for now until the time comes.

Can you let us know if this initial Afro pop/Afro beat is still what you are playing?

Yes, I am still in line with this genre I started with because it was a foundation for my music and I wouldn’t let it go just like that. Hence I still exhibit the energy to continue with it, trying out other genres of music because of how well I have learnt music over the years. Hence, I can say boldly that people can describe me as generic artist.

Have you scaled formally the acceptance or otherwise of your brand?

Yes, I have accepted myself for who I am now and I am still finding out what is about myself. However, I have accepted myself and my brand the way I see it, but I am still improving on it. To me my brand is different from real me, so I am trying not to confuse people about who I am. However, I should be allowed to be in a good state of mind and also comfortable, creating better music as a result. People should love me and my music on credit basis.

What was your parameter for measuring your music and in which forum?

The answer is not being able to get support sometimes when needed, which is a normal phase of every creative process. So this prompted me to the high level of believing in myself and having a mindset of my own, regardless of where the journey ends.

Are your fans base essentially that of teenagers/students or corporate world?

For the kind of music I do, my fans base is of both the young and the elderly, including the corporate world. My music is the type everyone can relate to.

Did Fela in anyway influence your brand?

Fela is a legend and he influenced every musician in the realm of afrobeat because of his style of music and the message therein that is being passed to the listeners. I just try to create my own style of music with regard to my brand, not trying to sound like Baba Fela, but I listened a lot to his life performances on stage which had some impact in the way I perform.

Do you have a permanent Jamz spot and why the choice of the venue?

Currently, I don’t have permanent spot as I try to be more visible by performing at different venues which gives me the visibility, increased fan base and acceptability.

Which contemporary Nigerian act is your model and what factor entice you to embrace the artiste?

My role models in the music industry are 2baba, Whizkid, Burna Boy and Davido, to mention, but a few. I am also a big fan Oxlade’s music, Fire Boy; although, I listen a lot to other talented musicians doing going music.

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