TommyWa’ is an artist who captures the intimate and traditional appeal of stringed guitars, offering a heartfelt narrative that resonates deeply. With love and generosity, TommyWa’ offers his music as both an escape and a source of solace. His work celebrates Afro-folk storytelling, capturing culture and personal experiences in each note.
Oluwatomi Suleiman, a Nigerian-Ghanaian Afro-folk singer, songwriter, and storyteller. He blends contemporary folk with ballad-style storytelling, drawing influence from indie and retro soul. His sound is both familiar and refreshing, weaving deeply personal narratives into each composition.
In 2023, TommyWa introduced us to his mesmerizing sonic universe with his Roadman and Folks EP. This collection marked the beginning of a captivating musical journey, inviting listeners to experience his world through powerful vocals and intricate instrumentation. On the track “Yakoyo,” he calls listeners to “come and be merry, eat and be filled.” The chorus translates to “Yakoyo”,a call to embrace joy, share meals, and find comfort in community.
Produced by Lucas Muller and mixed and mastered by Thewa Chaiyada.The EP also features additional production and instrumentation by Øbed, frontman of SuperJazzClub, and Nee Dromor, bandleader and keyboardist of Senku Live. Yakoyo reminds us that despite life’s struggles, joy can be found in moments of rest and togetherness.
Later in the year, TommyWa released his debut EP, expanding on the themes of joy and introspection introduced in Yakoyo. While Yakoyo emphasized communal celebration, the debut EP delves deeper into personal reflection, exploring love, fate, and self-discovery through intricate instrumentation and heartfelt storytelling. The first track, “Dumbluck,” sets a reflective tone with guitar-driven instrumentals that invite introspection. The song captures love’s unpredictability, suggesting that being loved is not about fate but about the simple luck of being accepted for who you are.
“Gravity,” featuring The Isomers, presents a more refined performance. It’s like an acquired taste, like aged wine. This track showcases TommyWa’s artistic growth, seamlessly blending multiple influences into a sophisticated and deeply emotive sound.
“Come and Go” stands out for its country music elements. Here, TommyWa’ reflects on valuable lessons from his father, emphasizing faithfulness and lifelong love. The song is a testament to generational wisdom, offering timeless lessons that resonate across backgrounds.
“Late Night on Lokko Street” features another collaboration with the SuperJazzClub, an apt choice given the production credits from members of this creative collective. The track captures the vibrant energy of the night, depicting the interplay of light and shadow on the street.
The EP closes with “Flowers,” a song that highlights TommyWa’s self-awareness and confidence in his artistry. The gentle yet resolute strumming of the guitar, paired with an understated but poignant vocal delivery, reinforces the song’s theme of quiet determination. The lyrics, particularly the opening verse, “I’m gonna get my flowers, it may or may not take a while, judge me not by the times,” encapsulate his trust in the journey, emphasizing perseverance over fleeting validation. It reflects his understanding that success is not defined by momentary recognition but by the lasting impact of his work. It’s a nod to the inevitability of recognition, not driven by desperation but by trust in the process and belief in his craft.
TommyWa’s Afro-folk portfolio is a testament to the power of storytelling through music.Rich with culture, wisdom, and emotion. Each track invites listeners to reflect, celebrate, and find solace in melodies that connect us all.
