Celebrated Nollywood sound designer Tolu Obanro, widely known as Tyanx, has shared the inspiring story of his journey from gospel music beginnings and a geology degree to becoming one of Nigeria's most sought-after film composers. In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, the multiple AMVCA nominee discussed how his early church experiences, diverse musical influences, and bold creative risks helped shape the soundscape of major Nollywood blockbusters such as King of Thieves (KOT), Jagun Jagun, and Gingerr.
Gospel Beginnings
Tolu Obanro's passion for music ignited at the age of 12 in church, where he started playing percussion before transitioning to the piano as a teenager. By 17, he was already producing albums for churches, including one for his mother's church headquarters, without her knowledge. He recalled: "We had a big fight because she didn't want me going out at night. But when the album was released, everyone praised her son. That was how my freedom came about." Despite excelling academically at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he graduated among the top students in his geology class, Obanro's career path consistently led back to music. While on campus, he discovered production software for the first time, and his beats soon gained recognition. With the help of a friend, Mark J, he moved to Lagos, connecting him with industry veterans like IndoMix and Jaywon.
Talent Hunt and Nollywood Breakthrough
Obanro's major breakthrough came with the Destiny Child Gospel Musical Talent Hunt on DSTV, where he was initially rejected for being "too small" for TV. Instead, he was offered the role of assistant music director, which exposed him to the depth of media production. This experience paved the way for advertising work and eventually his first cinematic opportunity with Dr Bayo on King of Boys 1 & 2. However, it was King of Thieves (KOT) that truly transformed his career. "On KOT, I asked Femi Adebayo if I could do it my way. He said yes. And when it came out, everywhere just blew up like, 'What kind of sound is this?'"
Crafting a Unique Sound Identity
Tolu Obanro credits global composers like Hans Zimmer for inspiring him to create a sound that evolves yet remains distinctly his own. He also draws from Indian composers' mastery of song placement and his uncle's vast music collection, which spans decades and includes artists from The Beatles and Celine Dion to indigenous legends like Wasiu Ayinde and Barrister. This diverse foundation gave birth to his signature style: epic strings, heavy African percussion, and cinematic tension that feels both global and deeply Nigerian.
AMVCA Nominations and Creative Risks
Obanro's daring approach has earned him multiple AMVCA nominations. He revealed that frustration with industry norms pushed him to experiment. While working on Gingerr, he used rock guitars throughout the score, a risky move that could have felt monotonous but instead created fresh tension and emotion. On The Party, with no action scenes, he relied on subtle tension and camera movements to keep audiences engaged. Regarding Lisabi vs Seven Doors, while fans praised his percussive war sounds in Lisabi, Seven Doors won him the AMVCA for Best Soundtrack. He noted that he scored both films around the same time, yet the sounds were very different.
Building a Team and Slowing Down for Perfection
Tolu Obanro now leads a dedicated team, including Simi, Abbey, Dare Ajala, Victor, Jaye, and Noah, who help refine each project. He now takes about six weeks to finish scoring a movie, compared to the initial week-long timeline. With his team's support, his goal is to create sounds that future generations will be proud of. "I used to finish a film in a week. Now it takes six weeks. It's more than just making sound for money. It's about creating something your great-grandchildren will say, 'Grandpa made this. He did well.'"
Working with Nollywood's Finest Filmmakers
From Funke Akindele to Jade Osiberu, Lateef Adedimeji, and Femi Adebayo, Obanro has collaborated with the industry's biggest names. He explained that the pressure of working with A-listers has evolved into a pursuit of excellence: "It's no longer about pressure. It's about aligning with the story and exceeding expectations. You want to be able to say, 'The sound also ate and left no crumbs.'"
Reflection on Alexx Ekubo's Death
The conversation took a somber turn when Obanro reflected on the sudden death of actor Alexx Ekubo. He said: "It's shocking how one minute you see people and then they just pass. It's always a reminder that no matter how important the work you do is, if your health comes in between, all that will stop. My prayer is that we live long and learn to take care of ourselves."
Tolu Obanro's journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and innovation. From sneaking out to produce albums as a teenager to redefining Nollywood's epic soundscape, he has carved a legacy that blends global inspiration with African authenticity.
Tolu Obanro Wins 2025 AMVCA Music Award
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Tolu Obanro emerged victorious at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on Saturday, May 10. He won the Best Music/Score category for his outstanding work as a composer on Femi Adebayo's highly acclaimed movie, Seven Doors. His notable win highlights the event's newly introduced music category, created in 2025 to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of talented composers and sound designers in African cinema.
