My passion is using sound to bring deliverance and hope to listeners – TKeyz

*Music is no longer just what I love to do; it is my purpose.

Minister Oluwatosin Akinsuyi, popularly known as TKeyz, is a Nigerian gospel music artiste, songwriter, producer and creative director. TKeyz came into the limelight with the release of his viral single, Oluwatosin, which flooded social media platforms.

In this interview, TKeyz shares how Oluwatosin was birthed, his musical journey, his passion for using sound to bring succour to the downtrodden, and how music became more than a passion, but a purpose.

Excerpts:

Background

My name is Oluwatosin Ayomide Akinsuyi, but I am widely known as TKeyz. I was born into a family of five in Lagos State, though I hail from Ondo State. I grew up in Lagos, where I obtained my Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) from Central Senior High School. I later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Adekunle Ajasin University. It has been an amazing journey.

I was born into the Celestial Church. Later, my parents moved to another church, where they are still pastors. Eventually, I found my spiritual home at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which I joined about eight years ago and where I continue to serve.

Playing the keyboard came naturally to me; I did not have a formal teacher. It was a gift that became the foundation of my musical knowledge and shaped my journey into music production and ministry. It truly felt like a key placed in my hands, unlocking my purpose.

From Computer Science to Music

While some may see computer science and music production as unrelated, they are deeply connected. Music production is essentially audio production, which requires a solid level of computer literacy. My background in computer science has greatly helped me as a music producer and creative.

TKEYZ, how did you come about your stage name?

At a point, I was known as “Oluwatkeyz.” However, a friend advised me to simplify it so people could easily search for and connect with my brand. That was how I settled for “TKeyz.”

The name has a special meaning for me. My name is Tosin, which begins with “T,” and “Keyz” represents the keyboard placed in my hands. It was more than just an instrument; it became the key that opened countless doors in my musical journey. Over time, passion evolved into ministry, then into a calling, and finally into a lifelong assignment. Music is no longer just what I love to do — it is my purpose.

Journey into Music, how has it been?

Officially, my journey as a recording gospel artiste spans over 15 years. My first recordings were made about 15 years ago. Some of my songs include ‘Egole, If Not For You, Jesus Did It, and Evidence’, some of which were recorded recently.

The journey has been 15 years of hope, hard work and consistency — striving to walk the path God has set for me. There have been both high and low moments, but through it all, the journey has been beautiful. God is the orchestrator of time, and He knows what He is doing in the life of every individual.

I have been learning and relearning. You do not just appear overnight; it is a process filled with highs and lows, trials and growth. The Bible says, “Christ in me, the hope of glory.” That truth has sustained me. My staying power comes from the light of God shining through me.

What inspires your Music?

Jesus is at the centre of it all-my personal journey, my heart, and my love for God, rooted in Scripture.

My songs are born out of real experiences and testimonies of how God showed up for me in difficult seasons. When I sing, I pour out my heart with those testimonies in mind. I do not take any glory for what is happening; I feel blessed and privileged to be a vessel for God’s sound. This is only the beginning.

Growing up, I was what you would call a “street boy.” Yet deep inside, I always knew I was different and destined for something more. By God’s grace, my life has become an encouragement to friends from my neighbourhood who are still struggling. If God could lift someone like me from that environment and use me, then anyone can rise above their circumstances.

Looking ahead to the next 10 years, I see God bringing deliverance to a generation through TKeyz. By His grace and mercy, I will remain faithful to the assignment.

Your song ‘Oluwatosin,’ what birthed it?

It came from deep questions of the heart — both answered and unanswered. In summary, it was born out of a journey of faith and hope. It was a period when I came to the realisation of who I am in Christ and how deeply He loves me. The song speaks about total surrender to God and standing the test of time.

‘Oluwatosin’ is now a global sound, did you envisage it?

I did not anticipate it. Every song I release is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes you may wonder why one song resonates globally while others do not. That experience made me realise that every season has its sound. Oluwatosin was the sound for that season.

I dare not take the glory — it belongs to God. I am simply overwhelmed by His love and mercy that He used me to release a sound that went global. I had been working for years without such recognition, and suddenly, God said “yes.” I feel privileged to be a channel through which Oluwatosin became a global sound. I believe this is only the beginning of what God is about to do.

Gospel Music as a tool of deliverance

Gospel music in Nigeria is a powerful tool in the hands of God. Music in general is powerful, but gospel music specifically communicates God’s heart to His people. It has the power to renew lives, shape minds and bring transformation.

We have seen testimonies of people healed and hearts changed simply by listening to a song. Though there may be attempts to corrupt it, the battle is already won. God is using gospel music to raise an army that will shape the destiny of this nation through sound. We are already witnessing it.

Any new projects on the way?

There are many exciting things ahead, but it is ultimately about God’s will for His people. It is about meeting people’s needs through sound. Despite the challenges along the way, I have resolved that, with God’s help, I will continue to speak His heart to the world, sing of His goodness over the nation, and give all the glory to Jesus alone.

Your musical influence

Growing up, I listened to many artistes because I love good music. At that time, I did not see music as a ministerial assignment — as I said earlier, I was a proper street boy.

Today, my greatest influence is the Word of God. However, I deeply respect and honour ministers like Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Minister Dunsin Oyekan, and many others. I admire their hunger for God and their dedication to serving Him. I am grateful for their lives and impact.