By Benson Michael
Oluwatobi Oyero, better known as Toby Williams, is a Nigerian-born musician, bassist, band leader, and song arranger whose journey in music began long before he held his first instrument. Born on September 29, 1988, in Lagos, Nigeria, Toby grew up in a family where music was part of everyday life.
His father played the bass guitar, his mother had a naturally beautiful voice, and his siblings were all musically inclined—two brothers who could handle instruments and two sisters who sang exceptionally well.
Music wasn’t just a background sound in their home—it was a language everyone spoke.
Toby’s first real connection to music happened in church. Growing up in Alagbado Baptist Church, he started playing the drums at the age of 14.
That was where his love for music took shape and began to grow. But it didn’t stop there. As time went on, Toby found himself drawn to the bass guitar, perhaps influenced by his father’s steady hand on the instrument.
Over time, he made the bass his own, developing a deep understanding of rhythm, harmony, and how music could move people in ways words could not.
When he moved to the United Kingdom, he became a bass player at the New hope church in Sheffield.
As he matured, Toby began to explore other aspects of music. He didn’t just want to play—he wanted to direct, arrange, and produce. That drive led him to sharpen his skills, and it wasn’t long before his efforts started paying off.
While on a music workshop at Bowen University, he was recognized for his talent, earning the title of second-best drummer at a music workshop in 2011 and later being named the best bass player in 2013.
Over the years, Toby Williams has become known for his ability to work across different styles of music. Though gospel is his foundation, he has also comfortably navigated genres like jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and blues. He’s not just a performer; he’s also a creative force behind the scenes. He was the bass player on the following songs: “Gbani Gbani” by Tomisin Ade-Kolawole, “Victory Praise” by Adedoyin Oseni, and “Praise Medley” by Praise Ishola.
Toby has shared the stage and studio with a number of respected musicians including Big Bolaji, Tosin Bee, Tim Godfrey and Dare justified, IBK, Moses Bliss
Bukola Bekes, Damilola Bekes, Adedoyin Oseni, Praise Ishola, Tomisin Ade-Kolawole, and Samuel Giveson (SMJ). His talent and professionalism have made him a trusted collaborator, whether he’s leading a band, arranging a song, or laying down basslines that carry the heart of the music.
His performances have taken him far beyond Lagos. From the LOUD Concert in Sheffield to Psalms Alive, the Bliss Experience in Manchester, UK, Foursquare church in London, Toby has brought his sound to audiences in different parts of the world. He’s also been part of major worship events back home in Nigeria, such as the Bells University Concert in Ogun State, RCCG Hallelujah Night in Lagos, and Global Harvest’s Harvest Fire in Ibadan. Events like Sound of Worship and Altar of Worship in Lagos have also featured his music.
What stands out about Toby Williams isn’t just his talent—it’s his consistency, humility, and deep love for music rooted in faith. He is one of those rare musicians who brings both skill and spirit into everything he does. Whether he’s leading a band on stage or producing a track in the studio, his goal is always the same: to create music that connects, uplifts, and leaves a lasting impression.
Toby’s journey from a teenage drummer in Alagbado to an accomplished figure in the Nigerian gospel music scene is one that continues to inspire. His story is still being written, but already, he’s proven that with passion, dedication, and the right foundation, music can take you places beyond your imagination.