Tommyphyll Canadian music breakthrough shines as Nigerian artist blends Afrobeats and synth-pop to win hearts across Canada with soulful Afrodiem sound
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]ommyphyll Canadian music breakthrough continues to attract national attention, as the Nigerian-born artist rises in Canada’s entertainment scene with a unique sound called Afrodiem.
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Born Tomiwa Omolayo and based in Winnipeg, the recording artist and producer is captivating listeners with his genre-blending music and heartfelt lyrics.
His sound, described as Afrodiem, combines Afrobeats, orchestral soul, and 80s synth-pop.
This blend has struck a chord with fans looking for music that uplifts and empowers. Tommyphyll calls his songs “feel-good empowerment anthems” crafted to help people fight personal, emotional, or spiritual battles.
“Everyone is either fighting to become something, fighting for something, or fighting against something,” he said. “My music is meant to serve as a guide or a weapon to help listeners through those battles.”
Tommyphyll’s creative journey formally began in 2018 with a GarageBand recording on his iPhone.
That early step sparked the confidence to explore music seriously. “If I could consciously spend this many hours trying to perfect something, then I would most definitely be successful at it,” he recalled.
Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, his early influences included gospel from Yinka Ayefele, pop from ABBA, and Afrobeats icons like Wande Coal.
A major turning point came after discovering Jon Bellion’s The Human Condition. Bellion’s self-production techniques inspired him to begin releasing his own music.
While building his artistic identity, Tommyphyll studied Global Political Economy at the University of Manitoba and worked at the St.
Norbert Arts Centre, where he built strong connections within Winnipeg’s arts community. These experiences shaped both his creative and professional growth.
His 2020 debut album Art of Dreams was fully self-produced, and his 2024 EP Love Me Like the First Day earned praise from fans and collaborators alike.
My music is meant to serve as a guide or a weapon to help listeners through life’s battles.
Live performances have followed, with appearances at festivals like Rainbow Trout, Blurfest, and Afroswitch.
In June 2024, Tommyphyll delivered a solo halftime show performance at the Winnipeg Sea Bears game, thrilling a crowd of over 7,000.
He has also opened for stars including Kizz Daniel, Ruger, Odumodublvck, and Rotimi. Yet, for him, the mission goes beyond music.
“I always pray before I start any song,” he said. “I don’t own music — God does. So it makes sense to ask the owner for permission and guidance.”
Beyond the stage, Tommyphyll is committed to community. He currently manages the Black Professionals in Music initiative at Manitoba Music, supporting other emerging Black creatives across the province.
His work has earned him multiple honours, including a nomination at the Western Canadian Music Awards.
In 2024, he partnered with Acoris Liquors to release an original soundtrack for the national launch of their flagship beverage, Violet.
The partnership highlights his growing influence as both a musician and brand collaborator.
With an eye on the future, Tommyphyll dreams of working with Burna Boy, Jon Bellion, Tems, and Hans Zimmer.
He also hopes to collaborate with brands like Arsenal FC, Nike, and Mai Atafo. However, he remains cautious about the music industry’s demands.
“There is no music industry without the people who make music yet they’re the least valued,” he noted. “I’d change how artists are treated and seen both in the industry and in society.”
From iPhone demos to arena performances, Tommyphyll Canadian music breakthrough continues to inspire.
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His message to other dreamers is clear: “If the whole world believes in you but you don’t believe in yourself, nothing will change. But if you have unshakeable belief in yourself even when the world doesn’t you’ll be unstoppable.”
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
