Who is Tobe Nwigwe?
Like many, In 2018 I was lucky enough to stumble across the extremely talented and inspirational Tobechukwu Dubem "Tobe" Nwigwe, thanks to a post by Erykah Badu. She reached out to Tobe and praised him, which later became the building block for his soon to be successful music career.
It’s not every day that you hear a new artist and become a fan immediately. As soon as I heard and saw Tobe - I was hooked.
The Nigerian emcee from Texas has a unique and authentic sound that make you feel the music, even if you can’t directly relate to it. He’s able to tell stories in a way that paint a picture so vivid you can feel what he’s saying.
In 2016, he came on the scene with his wife Fat and sister Nell, forming the trio known as The Originals. Fat is responsible for the choreography and eventually contributing her own lyrics to some songs.
Nell is the genius behind the production and is also a talented emcee herself. It must run in the family.
Tobe appeared on the BET Cypher in 2018 which brought him much deserved notoriety. He was later invited to perform on the illustrious YouTube channel, NPR’s Tiny Desk.
Tiny Desk is a place where some of the worlds most talented musicians get to showcase their skills in a live intimate setting. Tobe & The Originals are said to have one of the most memorable performances ever.
Check it here
Tobe and his crew could be defined in many ways, but to me it’s hard work that sets them apart. Sure they’re wildly talented but so are a lot of people. What makes them special to me is their work ethic, their honesty in their music, and their beauty as humans outside of the art they create.
During COVID Tobe released new music every Sunday and watched himself became a sensation to a larger audience then he had previously experienced. He is now a household name, being played all over the world and touring nationwide.
Tobe and Fat have 3 beautiful children, Ivory “Baby Fat” Nwigwe , Sage Nwigwe and Chukwu Nwigwe. The importance and emphasis they put on family is part of what makes them unique. They’re on this journey together.
Tobe has worked with some of the best and most respected artists of current times and of all time as well. Specifically he has made songs with Royce Da 5’9, Black Thought of the Roots, Erykah Badu, Earthgang, David Michael Wyatt, Big KRIT and many more.
The fact that we are alive at the same time and witnessing the greatness of the Nwigwe’s is something I think about constantly and have much gratitude for.
Tobe Nwigwe can be streamed on all major platforms and his music will change the way you see the world.
Written by: Clarkus Shmalarkus @treesontreesontrees and @livefromthemo0n