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By Rita Okoye
Tunde Akinsanmi achieved widespread fame as a member of the iconic Nigerian boy band, Styl-Plus, which dominated the music scene in the mid-2000s with chart-topping hits, including the timeless single ‘Olufunmi.’ Following his eventual departure from the group, the singer now performs professionally as Tunde Styl Plus.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, he delves into the circumstances surrounding his exit, discusses his evolving musical style, and outlines his plans for future endeavors.
Styl-Plus was a cultural phenomenon in the 2000s. What do you think gave the group that magic touch? Do you feel you personally played a bigger role than people know?
The magic was in the chemistry. We had voices that blended beautifully, heartfelt songwriting, and a drive to create timeless music. My voice connected strongly with people, so naturally, I stood out. But Styl-Plus was never about one person — it was about the blend, the harmony, and the teamwork. What made Styl-Plus powerful was the combination — each of us playing our part.
There have been claims that you wrote many of the group’s biggest hits. Can you set the record straight about your role in creating those classics?
I was very involved in both writing and production. For instance, I produced Imagine That. Some songs were collaborative; some leaned more on me, others on Shiffi or Zeal. But my role was always significant in shaping the sound and creative direction of Styl-Plus.
If you had to pick, who really carried Styl-Plus vocally and creatively — yourself, Shiffi, or Zeal?
Vocally, my voice was often the lead and connected deeply with fans. But Styl-Plus wasn’t about one voice — it was the harmonies, the blend, and the way our strengths complemented each other. Creatively, each of us had different gifts, and that combination is what made the group special.
What really led to your exit from Styl-Plus? Looking back, do you regret how it played out?
I wouldn’t call it an exit in the traditional sense. Decisions were made that didn’t involve me, and I found myself on the outside. That’s not unusual in music groups. Do I regret how it unfolded? Yes, because it denied fans more years of Styl-Plus in its original form. But I don’t regret staying true to myself and continuing with integrity. The story is still being written. I just want fans to know I never walked away from the music or the legacy.
Some fans believe you were sidelined while Shiffi and Zeal carried on with the group’s name. Do you feel betrayed or misunderstood in how history is being written?
Mostly misunderstood. I didn’t close the door; I was simply not included in their plans moving forward. If people want to continue as two, that’s their choice. But ideally, there should have been fairness and more conversation around the Styl-Plus name. That’s the part that often gets lost.
Do you feel the other members are deliberately trying to erase or downplay your role in Styl-Plus?
I can’t assume intentions. What I know is that sometimes the story told isn’t the full truth. But fans are intelligent — they know the voice, the songs, and the role I played. That can’t be erased. History has a way of correcting itself.
You moved on and adopted the name Tunde Tdot, but now you go by Tunde Styl-Plus again. What informed that decision? Was it a way of reclaiming your legacy?
Tunde Tdot was a practical move at the time — to protect the Tunde Styl-Plus name from contractual issues. But fans never stopped calling me Tunde Styl-Plus. That’s who I am, and embracing it again feels like standing in my truth.
Some might say returning to “Tunde Styl-Plus” feels like holding on to the past. How do you respond to that?
I don’t see it as holding on to the past; I see it as honouring where I came from while moving forward. Styl-Plus shaped me, and I can’t erase that. The best thing is to embrace it and build on it.
Do you see any possibility of a true Styl-Plus reunion with the original chemistry, or has that ship sailed?
I’ve never ruled it out. If the intentions are right and everyone is willing to come to the table fairly, a reunion could happen. The chemistry was real, and I think fans would love to see it again.
Do you ever feel your solo career has been overshadowed by Styl-Plus, or are you comfortable being remembered mostly for that era?
Styl-Plus will always be a big part of my story, and I’m proud of it. But my solo work has its own weight — songs like Future Past, African Lady, and the re-imagined versions of Imagine That (The Summary) and Runaway (The Summary). If people first connect with me through Styl-Plus, that’s fine — as long as they also discover what I’m creating now.
Your sound was very distinct in Styl-Plus. How has your creative process evolved since going solo?
I have become freer. In the group, decisions were shared. Solo, I can write from deeper personal experiences and experiment with new sounds. That freedom has made my music more authentic and experimental.
Which of your solo projects do you feel best represents who you are today and why hasn’t it gotten the same spotlight as Styl-Plus hits?
Runaway (The Summary), Imagine That (The Summary), Every Me, Party Animals, and many other singles represent me best today — nostalgic yet fresh, a bridge between past and present. The spotlight isn’t as bright because Styl-Plus was a cultural wave, but slowly, my solo projects are finding their audience.
You shuffle between Nigeria and the United Kingdom — how has that shaped your music, lifestyle, and outlook on fame?
It gives me balance. Nigeria keeps me grounded and connected to my roots, while the UK gives me perspective and exposure to new influences. Fame feels different when you step outside; you realize there’s more to life than being a celebrity. That keeps me humble.
Beyond the music, who is Tunde, and when all is said and done, how do you want people to remember you?
I’m a man who loves family, learning, and creating. I’ve faced struggles like anyone — balancing fame with personal life, dealing with disappointments — but through it all, my joy has been the music and the people it connects me to. That’s what keeps me going. When all is said and done, I want to be remembered as someone who stayed true to his gift, gave his best to every note, and never stopped creating. Styl-Plus was a beautiful chapter, but my story is still unfolding — and the best is yet to come.
