Entertainment Gists

Tobi Tokz: Turning a new leaf from afrobeat to gospel

Published

2 years ago

28th October 2024

Tobi Tokz, whose real name is Michael Oluwatobi Bhadmus, is making a big change in his music career. Known for his Afrobeat hits, Tokz is now shifting his focus to gospel music. In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Tokz talks about his past successes, why he took a break, and what’s next for him in gospel music.
Tobi Tokz achieved a lot with his Afrobeat music. One of his standout moments was performing at the African Food Network Festival in Abuja. “It was amazing,” Tokz says. “The crowd was energetic, and I loved seeing different artists perform.” Despite these highlights, Tokz now feels differently about his past music. “I enjoyed it at the time, but I believe it wasn’t what God wanted for me,” he reflects. “If I could change anything, I would have listened more to what God was trying to tell me.”
Last year, Tokz took a break from the music scene after his brother passed away. This loss deeply affected him. “Taking time off allowed me to get closer to God and really hear His voice,” Tokz explains. “On a professional level, I missed out on some collaborations that were planned, but the break was important for my personal growth.”
Tokz’s return to music is marked by a shift to gospel. The loss of his brother and his own spiritual awakening played a big role in this change. “I grew up in a Christian home and was involved in the church choir,” Tokz says. “Even though I had success in Afrobeat, I always felt a pull towards gospel music.” He admits that he didn’t always follow this inner call. “Romans 12:2 talks about not following the ways of the world but letting God change us. I realize now that I didn’t listen to that message and focused instead on love and relationships in my music.”
For Tokz, gospel music feels different from Afrobeat. “When I write gospel songs, I’m focused on spiritual growth and connecting with God,” he says. “I get my inspiration from the Holy Spirit, my dreams, and the Bible.” This is a big change from how he used to create Afrobeat music, which was more influenced by his surroundings.
As he moves into gospel music, Tokz has big plans. “I want my music to share God’s message and make a positive impact on people’s lives,” he says. Although he doesn’t have specific collaborations or projects lined up, he’s open to working with others who share his faith. Tokz is committed to staying in gospel music for the long haul. “I want my songs to teach, encourage, and inspire,” he explains. “I’m focused on spreading the gospel and helping people understand right from wrong.”
To other artists going through similar changes, Tokz has some advice. “Pray to make sure you’re following God’s plan for your life,” he suggests. “God brings peace and clarity, and that’s what you need to find your true path.”
As Tobi Tokz starts this new chapter, he wants people to know he is dedicated to praising and worshiping God through his music. “I’m here to share my faith and use my music to make a difference,” he says. “I’m reborn to praise and worship God.”

Entertainment Gists

RUAN-Badkid.96: The Unfiltered Voice Recommitting African Sound to Truth

Published

1 month ago

9th July 2026

manlikeakoh

RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.

Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.

Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.

For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.

Entertainment Gists

Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype

Published

2 months ago

5th June 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.

Entertainment Gists

Uncle Wisdom The Mind Behind The Motion – Talent Manager/A&R

Published

3 months ago

21st May 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.

CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.

In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.

PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.

Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.

INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others

LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.

CONTACT & SOCIALS

Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt

TikTok: @unclewisdom7

Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com

Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027