About Turning 30
Over the last few weeks, I’ve consistently received two questions from my close friends:
1. How does it feel to be turning 30?
2. What do you want for your birthday?
I intend to answer by the end of this piece.
How It Feels
I might be 30-something,
I might be 40-something
In my heart, I’m 20-something…
These words by the legendary musician, Lagbaja, aptly summarise how I feel as I draw closer to being certified 30+. Indeed, I feel — and look — like a 21-year-old.
Now I understand why people use football age, because what if I don’t feel or look like the age my birth certificate alleges?
Also, for whatever reason, I am nursing an unusual quiet excitement before my birthday. I am typically apathetic in the weeks leading up to the big day (July 17… for those asking).
It’s an excitement I hope to nurse to its logical conclusion.
My Gift to You
I’ve spent the best part of the last 15 years loving and making music. In that time, I have written, perhaps, over a thousand songs and recorded a few. Hence, there is no better gift than a throwback to a song written and recorded circa 2015.
It was my second year studying architecture. I recorded this with a chap named Cecil, invited my fellow architecture misfit, Onyeka Odimgbe, to tag along, and background vocals were done by Tchella (who would later go on to drop the love smash hit ‘Ife’).
Only a few people had ever heard this song before:
— Kene (O.G. who still calls me Moonlight)
— Laolu (who probably knows enough to end me)
— Segun Aniyi (inspired by this song to release his own music)
— My sister (my personal A&R).
I also performed it once, at an event in Covenant University.
Anyways, without further ado, this is ‘Moonlight Romance.’
Enjoy.
My Wishlist
I still find making wishlists very weird. I feel weird asking for things from people close to me, let alone a wider audience. But then, I’m leaning into the uncomfortable this year. I mean, I’m sharing music from 10 years ago.
What could be more cringe than that?
- A Tesla Cybertruck (Don’t laugh)
- A brand new acoustic guitar
- Credit Alert (I mean, who doesn’t?)
- Signet rings, accessories & perfumes (I want to compete with Opeyemi Famakin as the best-smelling man in Lagos)
- A word of prayer
- I’m also open to fun activities (I’m an expert at postponing fun, so…)
R.H.R.F
The last year has not been the easiest, but I can safely summarise it in four words. Words famously found in the first stanza of the hymn, ‘O God Our Help in Ages Past.’ They’re words that undergird the peace I currently feel. They’re words that can easily replace the ‘Genius’ in my name, Tobbi the Genius.
And they are words I leave with you as I cheer to 30 years and look forward to 90 more.
Ransomed. Healed. Restored. Forgiven
Tobbi the Genius.
P.S.: If you can get me a black or grey GIRD shirt inscribed with these words, you’d be one of my favourite people.
