GMP Exclusive Interview with THOBBIE, Talks Hit Single, latest EP, More

Gmusicplus caught up with contemporary gospel artist Thobbie for an Exclusive Interview. The US-based Nigerian singer talks inspiration behind his highly acclaimed song ‘You Are’, latest Ep ‘Worship Diary’, future projects and more.

Thobbie is a multi-talented contemporary RnB fusionist whose originality cuts across music as a multi-Instrumentalist, Voice Trainer, Songwriter, Arranger & Producer.

Gmusicplus: Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Thobbie: My name is Tobi Olubiyi, a Nigerian from Ekiti state and the last born of 6. Schooled & lived in Ogun, Ondo and Lagos state, Lagos for the most part.

Gmusicplus: How did your interest in music start ?

Thobbie: Having started playing the drums at a tender age of 5, professionally at age 11 and also the piano, I realized music gave me so much joy and fulfillment which introduced me to singing.

My parents who also encouraged me by setting up a toy studio with all major instruments i play now, helped fueled my passion for music and inspired me greatly. I then became a fully participant in music from primary sch till date.

Gmusicplus: How would you describe your style of music and what kind of people does it appeal to?

I’m a worshiper!! In professional words relating to music, I would say Soul/ RnB. My music appeals to God lovers but mostly to those who love to worship and remain in His presence. Also for good music lovers and people who appreciate great sound and loves to ease off with it.

Gmusicplus: Could you share with us the inspiration behind your highly acclaimed single ‘You Are’

Thobbie: Hmmm, the song ‘You Are’ is simply an expression of God’s love and faithfulness. We often get to a point in our lives where God becomes our only source with nowhere else to turn to, I was at that point when I composed ‘You Are’ with the inspiration of the holy spirit, and it helped me a great deal… it’s an heavenly sound!!!

Gmusicplus: Choice of producer plays a very important role in bringing a song to life, Why Wole Oni ? and What was it like working with him on the song ‘You Are’.

Thobbie: I’m very careful of who I work with. I was led to Wole Oni, It was a divine arrangement and it just had to be him.

It was great working with him, an awesome experience i would say. he’s so professional and detailed, he’s a big brother and I love what he does and how he does it.

Gmusicplus: Talk us through your new EP, Worship Diary

Thobbie: Worship Diary is a project that has changed my live and perception about God and also, made me understand more about His love .

It’s a 6-track Extended Play (EP) with 4 worship tunes.

1. How Great You Are
2. Alewileshe
3. Halleluyah
4. You are
5. Naso
6. Follow You go

Sometime in 2015, God told me a lot of people have a diary of occurrences but I wanna give you a Diary of Worship where you document tunes reminding you of my faithfulness. So I started recording and here we are . But that’s not the end of it, It’s gonna be in series!

Gmusicplus: What’s your favorite track in the EP ?

Thobbie: How Great You Are

Gmusicplus: What do you want listeners to take away from an experience with your music?

Thobbie: Intimate time with God, Excellence and most importantly, getting their hearts more inclined with God.

Gmusicplus: Who are your greatest musical influences?

Thobbie: I have gleaned from a lot of people till date, But going far back to when i started music, the people that inspired me to do more were – Donnie McClurkins, Kirk Franklin , Don Moen and a few others.

Gmusicplus: Having recently premiered an impressive visual for your single ‘Alewileshe‘ Shot in the US, What’s your take on the quality of gospel music videos so far. [Watch Here]

Thobbie: I think it’s fair, but we can always do better . We just have to put in more deliberate efforts to make our works look more better.

Gmusicplus: Any new projects, Music, videos in the works?

Thobbie: The 2nd phase of the Worship Diary project will be out later this year as well as other music videos, live recording concerts in America also in the pipeline.

Gmusicplus: Which artiste/producer would you love to work with?

Thobbie: Donnie McClurkin, Travis Greene, Jonathan nelson and a few others. Also a few of my Nigerian colleagues and great producers around.

Gmusicplus: What would you not travel without?

Thobbie: My phone and bank cards

Gmusicplus: What do you think is the biggest misconception about gospel artists ?

Thobbie: Hmm, I think the fact that Gospel artistes shouldn’t have a fun life.

Gmusicplus: What’s the first record/tape/album you remember buying?

Thobbie: Hmm I think it’s an old Ron kenoly’s album

Gmusicplus: 3 Things we don’t know about Thobbie 🙂

Thobbie: Hmmm
1 – I can play soccer lol
2- I play ping pong (table tennis ) ? really well
3- I enjoy my alone time with movies in the theater or Netflix

Gmusicplus: Thank you so much for your time, Any parting word?

Thobbie: You are a product of your words (confession), actions and decisions. I am a testimony because I confessed where I am now into Reality with God leading me and I am still confessing where I’m headed.

Thobbie’s ‘Worship Diary’ EP is available for purchase on all major digital outlets.

MTNMusicPlus | iTunes | Amazon | BoomPlayer | Spotify

Connect with Thobbie on social media via @ThobbieOlubiyi

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