‘I’ve been singing since I was a kid’

Toyin Ogunniyi says she has been singing since she was a kid. The gospel artiste, who hails from Ogun State, goes by the stage name of Toein. Married with two kids, she told TheNiche that she holds a degree in microbiology and is currently studying for a nursing degree.
Describing her offspring as “lovely kids”, the singer stated that her parents made no objection to her going into music ministry.
“I only took interest in recording in 2002 and it’s been an awesome experience,” she explained. And she has never stopped.
For mentors, she names artistes like Cece Winans, Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech, Kenny Kore and Lily Odesola.
Born of Nigerian parents and though now based in the United States of America (U.S.A.), where she moved in the early 2000s, she is determined to uphold her Yoruba heritage by performing gospel in the Yoruba language.
“There is nothing like upholding your heritage. I’m working on something presently and I’m sure everyone will love it,” she declared.
Asked how she manages to combine work, music ministry and family, she said it has not been an easy road and attributes her success to God.
“It has not been an easy journey, but when you have God and He called you to it, He will surely see you through it. That’s my testimony,” she said.
With five singles under her belt, she is hoping to produce an album very soon.
She seems to align with the assertion that the gospel songs produced these days lack the inspiration that of yesteryears had, as, for her, the genuine love for God has waxed cold in the present generation.
“It’s what you have inside that will manifest outside. I pray God restores our first love for him, so we can do wonders too this time,” she prayed.
To her fans, she said they should live for God and God alone.
“No matter what is going on around you, do not be distracted by all that the devil has made available in this so-called jet age and miss heaven. No matter how unreal it sounds, Jesus is coming soon; do not be caught unawares. God bless you.”