Returning to bring her unique genre-blending Afropop sound to the world, the fast-rising Lagos-born and London-based, Nigerian artist Tolani releases the Beraç Tunç directed ‘Fire On The Mountain‘.
The mesmerizing clip sees Tolani confidently dressing down an unfaithful lover and culminates with a breath-taking scene where she literally comes face to face with a live scorpion, as she asserts that no situation is too big or scary for her to take on.
Bringing together the showstopping combination of Tolani’s sweet, soulful vocals with her compelling storytelling and smart song-writing, ‘F.O.T.M (Fire On The Mountain)’ sees a self-assured move away from some of the heartbreak she has previously explored in her music.
Speaking on the new single Tolani said:
I’m so buzzed about this new song! I’ve been away for a minute, and the energy that F.O.T.M has is what I’m on for this next chapter… just so much vim! Haha. Naturally, I am a teeny bit nervous.. but it’s anxiety with a heavy dose of positive excitement.
Tolani introduced her captivating sound and aesthetic to fans across the globe via a string of popular singles. From breakout smash ‘Ba Mi Lo’ ft Reekado Banks to ‘Liar’, & ‘Bad Man’, her music has racked up an impressive number of streams and followers both home and abroad.
Tolani’s love of music started at a young age, inspired by the cultural melting pot of Lagos and the eclectic music tastes of her father. She started out in various church and school choirs, participated in talent shows and performed as lead singer in a small band while attending an arts college in London. Initially feeling the pressure from her entrepreneurial parents to go down the route of conventional career options, she decided to stay true to her passion and carve out her own path as a solo music artist.
With influences ranging from homegrown icons such as Sade (a firm favorite of Tolani’s) to a wide-ranging mix of western acts such as Lorde, Banks, Russ, 6lack, Jhene Aiko and Ali Gatie informing her own genre-defying sounds, Tolani continues to hone her skill and has already shared stages with the likes of Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and Davido.
Outside of music, causes close to Tolani’s heart include the welfare of children and women and mental health awareness. She is an advocate for reproductive and menstrual health, normalizing the conversation regarding menstruation and accessibility of menstrual products.
As an artist, Tolani continues to strive to share her impressive talents with the world and showcase the rich and varied creativity coming out of Africa. She says ‘I want to be an ultimate representation of the different but still universal talent that represents Africa and the diaspora on the world stage’, With the release of her new single and visual and the promise of more new music, this is certainly something that is well within her reach.
Stream ‘Fire On The Mountain’ below:
