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Toby Foyeh started playing and performing music from an early age in Nigeria paying his dues through school bands in Ibadan and Lagos, as well as vhile studying in the United States. A band he formed with some high school friends went on to tour America as Hugh Masekela's Ojah band. Although basically a self taught musician, he also studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston and Howard University in Washington DC coupled with a Film Directing Degree. Two successful album releases to date include "Here I Come" in Nigeria and Jalolo the follow up. He has performed extensively on Nigerian Television where his music videos are very popular. He has also performed in the United Kingdom with his band Orchestra Africa which should soon be embarking on a wide tour of Europe, USA and Canada. Orchestra Africa's music arises from modern influences-high technology, advanced communications and international travel in a global market that affects modern day Africa. The seriousness of his approach to music means that he has recently been producing, recording and playing several instruments on his own album while still performing and co-producing a variety of other artists with varying musical styles including African, Jazz and Soul. One of such projects with keyboard player Roy Carter (ex-Heatwave) produced a dance hit for UK group Covergirl, while other musical collaborations include projects with Jake Sollo (ex-Osibisa), Saul Malinga (Ipi Tombi South African Music and Dance Troupe), Orlando Julius Ekemode, etc. The Nigerian Public and other neighbouring West African countries are very familiar with his music especially the hit singles "I'm on Fire" and "Ore Mi" as well as the promo videos for these releases. The band has recently been featured on FOX Early Morning News and BET Jazz Scene as well as some local cable channels. Toby Foyeh composes, arranges, produces the band's music, and sings with the backing female singer-dancers. Orchestra Africa features traditional African instruments such as Gangan(Talking Drum),Bata drums, Kalimba Thumb Piano), Assorted Percussion, Flutes, Guitars, Keyboards Synthesizers, male lead and female lead and chorus vocals. The band's percussion breaks sometimes feel like a Drum Orchestra from the polyrhythms and counter rhythms played by the percussionists. The main featured instruments - Guitar and Flute played by multi-instrumentalist Toby Foyeh serve as highlights for individual songs. The lead Guitar is treated with the caculated virtuosity, speed and technique of a skilled jazz guitarist interpreting the traditional and contemporary music of Africa. The female singer-dancers in African costumes add a spice of traditional Africa in their call and response style of chorus singing with improvised African dances. |