(Los Angeles, CA) - Nigerian R&B artist TolumiDE has announced the release of her new single “Your Arms (Funmilayo)”, from her upcoming album Suya Soul. TolumiDE’s smooth vocals quietly open up the infectious love song. Backed by a bubbly, Afro-infused pop beat, she sings about the awakening feeling of finding love and accepting its pleasures and securities. There’s this sense of easy love that makes it impossible not to smile and dance along. “Your Arms (Funmilayo)” is the first glimpse of what we can expect from TolumiDE’s upcoming album Suya Soul.

TolumiDE, real name Tolu Olumide, was born in Toronto, Canada, to Nigerian parents studying at the University of Toronto. They moved to Sacramento, CA to complete graduate studies before migrating back to Nigeria with Tolu, where she would spend the remainder of her formative years.

Growing up, TolumiDE was always involved in music and dance from the time she was in primary school. She eventually journeyed back to Toronto to enroll in York University’s Fine Arts program. Here, she would get her first big break when she joined the all-female Reggae group called Women Ah Run Tings. The girls were nominated for several Canadian Reggae Music Awards and had videos debut on the number one Canadian music channel, Much Music.

While balancing her schooling and her budding music career, TolumiDE then also had to face the death of her mother, who passed away in Baltimore after a long battle with cancer. TolumiDE eventually completed her degree and sought employment in Baltimore to be close to her family. While working as a graphic artist at FOX45, TolumiDE began exploring local non-profit organizations and volunteering her time.

Although now focusing on her philanthropic endeavors, TolumiDE never strayed far from her own musical dreams. She frequented Baltimore and Washington, DC open mics and made waves for herself with her breakout single “Because You Know.” The single would earn her the award for Best Female R&B Artist at the 2006 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In 2007, TolumiDE released her debut EP Specialty, which featured the single. She soon followed up in 2010 with her full-length album, My Love. Met with praise, the music video for title track “My Love” was nominated for Channel O’s Most Gifted R&B award.

Dedicated to community enhancement and youth development, TolumiDE serves as a board member of the non-profit group Afropolitan Youth Association and Entertainment Director for FestAfrica, the largest African Festival in Maryland. As a voting member of the Recording Academy (The Grammys), she participates with numerous Washington, D.C. chapter activities.

As accomplished as she is, TolumiDE is still not finished creating and growing. Her new music is poised to make waves this year in the international market, and it will be exciting to watch her continued success!

Stream “Your Arms (Funmilayo)”:
SoundCloud

For All Media Inquiries:
Kerry Harrison / kerry@gramophone.media / (310) 437-8199 x238