Profile: Meet The Real TOFs, multi-talented Nigerian recording artist

There’s a newbie in the town known as TOFs, a multi-talented Nigerian recording artist, songwriter and rapper widely acclaimed for his thrilling RnB vocals and Afro-drill sound.

Born Sanni Dhikrulah Olaniyi, popularly known by his stage name, TOFs, was born June 9, 1991, in Lagos State, Nigeria.

The Militia Movement Crooner – TOFs started his music career professionally in 2018. However, his love of music at a tender age made him notice and discover his talent in music and entertainment. TOFs experienced the usual ups and downs of kids from the humblest backgrounds.

After completing his secondary education, he couldn’t proceed to the tertiary institution despite gaining admission to study at Yaba College of Technology.

He is a multi-talented Nigerian recording artist, songwriter and rapper widely acclaimed for his thrilling Afro Swing and indigenous rap style.

The Kwara State native developed a flair for music by following the rise of local Afro-beat & trap/drill legends such as Gucci Mane, Migos, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido. His early absorption of sounds from artists like Dagrin, Olamide, Skepta, Stormzy, Tory Lanez, Tupac Shakur, Illbliss, Mode 9, Bobby Cadwell, and Fela, amongst many others, motivated his signature sound of Afro-swing.

TOFs shot into the professional limelight in 2019 with his first single, “FATASI”, which proved to be his breakout track and inspired his next single, BAMISE ft Seyi Vibez 2019.

His music career witnessed a brief hiatus after leaving the shores of Nigeria in 2020. Returning to Nigeria the following year, he teamed up with music producers Extreme Beats, and three more singles followed- Lekki, Soke Soke and Militia.

In February 2022, he dropped SOKE SOKE ft SunkkeySnoop and another Banger titled MILITIA ft CDQ, MILITIA, which is currently hitting airwaves in Nigeria.

Following months of highlights, including hit collaborations with SunkkeySnoop (Soke Soke) and Seyi Vibez (Bamise), Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter Sanni Dhikrulah Olaniyi, popularly known as TOFS, has released his latest EP, Vibez & Lifestyle.

The five-track EP tells the story of a resilient black man living life, balling and grinding hard simultaneously. 

TOFS’ latest offering touches on relatable themes such as humble beginnings in the streets of Lagos and Johannesburg, everyday struggles, and triumphs in a creative and groovy way.

Featuring the previously released single “Militia”, an addictive afro-fusion banger featuring CDQ, Vibez & Lifestyle includes other tracks (Juru, Rock your Body, VIP and Crypto Money) with collaborations from the likes of Soft, Psycho YP, and Wonder.

Vibez and Lifestyle give us a glimpse into TOFS’ experiences and is a mix of Afro-drill, Afro-Fusion and his new, experimental alté sound.