Inside the Growing Career of Nigerian Saxophonist TitoSax

By Emmanuel Daraloye

TitoSax, born Gabriel Oluwatoyin Oluyemi, is a Nigerian saxophonist and creative entrepreneur whose work has steadily gained attention for its consistency, professionalism, and emotional impact. Based primarily in Abuja, TitoSax has built a reputation not only as a skilled instrumentalist, but as a performer who understands how music creates memorable experiences.

With over a decade of experience on the saxophone, TitoSax has performed across a wide range of settings, from large-scale faith gatherings to corporate and private engagements. His performances have featured at notable venues and events including Dunamis International Gospel Centre (The Glory Dome), RCCG Redemption Camp, Living Faith Church Goshen City, and various jazz and live music platforms. He has also been invited to perform at official and high-level functions, including engagements connected to the Central Bank of Nigeria, senior public officials, and private residences of prominent figures.
Beyond live performance, TitoSax is the founder of Surprised by Tito Sax, a creative performance business that has operated successfully for over three years. The brand is best known for its personalised saxophone serenades delivered at weddings, proposals, birthdays, corporate functions, official ceremonies, and private celebrations. This offering has become the core of the business, blending live music with thoughtful presentation to create moments that clients describe as both personal and unforgettable.

Through this venture, TitoSax has performed for commissioners, permanent secretaries, senior political office holders, corporate executives including CEOs and CTOs, respected spiritual leaders, and other high-profile individuals. His continued invitations into these spaces reflect a strong level of trust in his musicianship, discretion, and ability to deliver consistently at a high standard.
Musically, TitoSax operates across jazz, Afro-jazz, contemporary gospel-jazz, and ensemble performance contexts. He has collaborated with respected artists such as Dr Paul Enenche, Peter D Sax, Deborah Paul Enenche, Hawthorn, Ekundayo Bass, and Kunle Ajayi, experiences that have broadened his stylistic range and strengthened his professional network. His playing is marked by expressive control, strong melodic direction, and an ability to adapt his sound to different audiences and settings.

What sets TitoSax apart is his understanding that longevity in music requires more than talent alone. His work reflects a balance of artistic discipline and entrepreneurial clarity, allowing him to build a brand that is both creatively fulfilling and commercially sustainable. Over time, this approach has positioned him as a growing name within Nigeria’s live performance space.

Looking ahead, TitoSax is focused on expanding the reach of his work beyond Nigeria. With a proven performance model and an established brand identity, he sees international markets as the next natural stage of growth, beginning with the United Kingdom. As his profile continues to rise, TitoSax is increasingly recognised as a talent to watch, one whose journey reflects both steady progression and clear global potential.