For Norwegian-Nigerian singer Tolou, music has at all times been about bringing totally different worlds collectively. That cross-cultural mix extends seamlessly into her sound, the place Scandinavian pop meets the rhythm and fluidity of Afrobeats. It additionally discovered a brand new expression when she carried out in India for the primary time at Lollapalooza this yr, a long-held dream that left her impressed by the vitality of Mumbai’s viewers and the nation’s cultural vibrancy.
On this dialog, Tolou opens up about how her blended cultural upbringing in Northern Norway and her connection to her Nigerian roots have formed her identification and music, the challenges of discovering her voice within the American music business, and her want to create songs that really feel liberating and therapeutic. She additionally speaks about discovering Indian music extra deeply, her rising curiosity in Bollywood, and why artistes like AP Dhillon and Ankur Tewari are at present on her radar.
Excerpts:
You carried out in India for the primary time throughout Lollapalooza 2026. Speak to us about that have?
I needed to go to India my complete life. It was such a dream to have the ability to come right here and carry out. I had a superb expertise and acquired a superb impression of the tradition and folks. The vitality of the gang in Mumbai was very alive, and the viewers was engaged, welcoming and current. It was my favorite reside efficiency. I introduced my dancers from Paris. Seeing all the individuals dancing and transferring with the music was really particular. I am trying ahead to my subsequent efficiency.
Do you take heed to Indian music?
Sure. I had listened to a little bit of Indian music earlier, however I have been exploring it rather more just lately. I discover it inspiring, particularly the way in which totally different cultures come collectively, mixing conventional sounds with extra worldly sounds. That is how I make my music, by mixing Scandinavian pop affect with Afrobeats.
A few of my present favourites are AP Dhillon and Ankur Tewari. I additionally found Bollywood after acting at Lollapalooza. It’s fascinating how Indian sounds might be introduced into totally different genres the world over. In a approach, it’s much like what we do with Afrobeats, branching into kinds like Afro-country, Afro-pop, and Afro-house.
How has rising up in a blended tradition formed your music and journey?
I grew up primarily in Northern Norway and round Norwegian tradition. I went to Nigeria for the primary time in 2023, however it was at all times necessary for me to establish with my Nigerian tradition as nicely. That is why I’ve my micro braids on my head, my mom did them. It is a illustration of who I’m, part of my identification. I see the world from a barely totally different perspective, as a result of my environment weren’t very typical. I am virtually from the North Pole, it’s extremely chilly and darkish for months of the yr. However then we even have the midnight solar, the place it is vibrant at 2 am. That makes individuals from the North fairly genuine and simple. That offers me a special perspective at instances. And that is additionally why I recognize coming to a spot like India. Individuals right here appear very humble, very down-to-earth and sincere. That is one thing I actually join with.
At what level in your life did you realise that music is your true calling?It is virtually like I used to be born with that sort of intuition or instinct in me. I at all times needed to create music and was trying as much as the massive pop stars like Rihanna and Beyonce. I needed to be like them once I was older. I needed to undergo some challenges to get the place I’m as we speak. However I needed to be myself and share with the world the way in which I see and really feel issues. I am a contented and optimistic particular person. I am very hopeful and need to carry that out via my music.
What are among the artists you bought impressed by?
Certainly one of my earliest and largest inspirations is Beyoncé. She has an insane work ethic and is a good performer. I really like Frank Ocean for the way inventive and inventive he’s. Lana Del Rey can be a cool artist. I need to do what is smart for me and makes me really feel good. Afrobeats makes me really feel like I need to dance. Scandinavian pop makes me really feel seen emotionally. So I needed to mix these two. Hopefully, at some point, somebody goes to say that I impressed them.
What would you like individuals to remove out of your music?
I would like individuals to really feel good and be seen via my music. And hopefully, among the songs is usually a little bit therapeutic. I hope they suppose that I’m a pleasant and enjoyable particular person. I attempt to make individuals not take themselves too significantly. I need to inform them to talk their minds, be slightly bit unserious, and never be good on a regular basis. I hope individuals keep in mind that freedom, vitality and confidence after they see me.
What has been probably the most difficult second to this point in your musical profession?
It was after I got here to America for the primary time. I used to be actually examined when it comes to how a lot of my very own voice and opinions I used to be going to take heed to. I used to be a younger woman who was not used to the American tradition. I used to be listening to a whole lot of inputs on the right way to do issues, the right way to sing and gown. There have been some difficult months the place I had to determine who I used to be. I knew who I used to be in Norway, however I didn’t know who I used to be right here in America, being part of this huge music business with all these expectations positioned on girls. There’s a whole lot of strain on younger feminine artists to look a sure approach or to current themselves in particular methods to succeed. It was a battle at instances, however I needed to maintain my integrity very robust.
However once I was taking good care of myself, and following my coronary heart, it naturally strengthened my reference to my viewers. The viewers may really feel it, they may inform that I used to be comfortable. Immediately, I am grateful that I’ve landed the place I’ve, and I’ve a really supportive staff round me.
Who’re some artistes in your collaboration wishlist?
I’d like to collaborate with AP Dillon and Ankur Tewari and are available again to India to dive slightly bit extra into the tradition and the movie business. I need to see some Bollywood movies. I will maintain watching and studying in regards to the tradition. It’s totally lovely and vibrant.
I simply launched my album and it is doing nice. I am about to arrange some extra performances. Proper now it’s about constructing my viewers and constructing my artistry.
