Oluwatobi Oyero Lights Up Utopia Theatre with Afrobeats and Jazz Sounds

By Adedayo Akinwale

Renowned Nigerian-born bassist and music director, Oluwatobi Oyero, delivered a truly unforgettable performance at Utopia Theatre in Sheffield, UK, on Sunday, June 1st, 2025. From the moment he stepped into the venue, there was a noticeable shift the energy in the room lifted. His presence alone lit up the space, and by the time he picked up his bass guitar, the audience was already fully engaged.

The award-winning musician, who is steadily gaining traction across the UK for his craft, took the stage with a calm confidence that only comes from years of dedication and depth. He opened with a smooth jazz number, laying down bass lines that were both soulful and intricate. Every note had weight, and you could see it in the way the crowd responded heads swaying, eyes closed, fully immersed.

Then came the Afrobeat. The groove changed, the energy rose, and the atmosphere in the theatre shifted again this time to something electric. His fingers danced across the strings with ease, blending rhythm and melody in a way that brought the room to life. People couldn’t sit still. Some clapped, some danced in their seats, and others simply smiled in awe.

Oluwatobi’s musical journey started in Alagbado Baptist Church, where he developed his gift and love for music in a faith-driven, musically rich environment. He went on to attend the annual 5-day Baptist music workshop, where he was named Best Bass Player in 2013. Since then, he has played bass on acclaimed gospel tracks like Gbani Gbani, Victory Praise, and Praise Medley, earning respect both in Nigeria and beyond.

Utopia Theatre, where this magical night unfolded, is far more than just a stage. As a National Portfolio Organisation, it was founded in 2012 by Mojisola Kareem with a vision to bring African stories to life and elevate voices from the African diaspora. With its Creative Hub and Youth Academy, the theatre is a vibrant space for emerging talent and a cultural home for artists like Oyero who are proud to carry their heritage into new spaces.

For many in the audience, Sunday night wasn’t just a show it was a moment. Oyero’s blend of skill, soul, and presence reminded everyone in the room why live music hits different. It wasn’t just what he played, but how he played it with heart, clarity, and intention.

“Oluwatobi didn’t just perform he shifted the atmosphere,” one audience member shared. “You could feel something change the second he walked in.”

From Lagos to Sheffield, Oluwatobi Oyero continues to bring his sound, his story, and his spirit to stages that welcome real music. And if Sunday night was anything to go by, he’s only just getting started in the UK.