Tolu Obanro: Africans Finest Film Composer & Sound Designer

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Tolu Obanro, known as Tyanx, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Nollywood, seamlessly blending the intricate art of sound design with the evocative power of film scoring. His journey from the oil and gas industry to becoming a celebrated music composer and sound designer highlights a remarkable transition driven by passion and exceptional talent.

Movie production is a multifaceted process, encompassing pre-production planning, the intense period of principal photography (production), and finally, the meticulous craft of post-production. It’s in this final stage that Tolu Obanro’s genius truly shines. Sound design, often an understated element, is the very soul of a film, meticulously crafted to immerse the audience in the narrative. Obanro, a master of this craft, orchestrates a symphony of sounds, from the subtle nuances conjured by foley artists to the precise shaping of audio by sound editors and the delicate balancing act performed by re-recording mixers. Utilizing tools like Pro Tools, he intricately weaves layers of sound, ensuring every auditory detail aligns with the director’s vision and enhances the emotional resonance of the film.

Tolu Obanro’s musical journey began with producing gospel tracks for artists like Mike Abdul and Monique. This foundation in music composition and production paved the way for his significant impact on Nollywood. His scores have graced some of Nigeria’s most successful films, including the groundbreaking “A Tribe Called Judah” (2023), which shattered box office records, along with “Gangs of Lagos” (2023) and “Jagun Jagun” (2023). His impressive portfolio also includes “King of Boys: The Return of the King” (2021) and “Battle on Buka Street” (2022). Influenced by renowned composers such as Hans Zimmer and Ludwig Göransson, Obanro’s work has not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned him a 2022 Nigerians Achievers Award and multiple AMVCA nominations, solidifying his reputation as a vital contributor to Nigerian cinema’s emotional depth.

The years 2024 and 2025 further cemented Tolu Obanro’s status as a leading force in Nollywood’s soundscape. In 2024, his compositions brought profound emotional depth to diverse projects, including the TV mini-series “Seven Doors,” the heartfelt “A Heart on the Line,” and the acclaimed drama “Thinline.” He also infused rhythmic flair into popular productions like “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” the culturally rich epic “Lisabi: The Uprising,” and the compelling “Queen Lateefah.” Continuing his artistic momentum into 2025, Obanro’s artistry enriched titles such as the political drama “Her Excellency,” the suspenseful “Red Circle,” the animated “Makemation,” the vibrant “Aso Ebi Diaries,” the romantic “Finding Me,” and the quirky comedy “Mo fe Wèrè (I Married A Crazy Person).” Each score underscored his ability to elevate storytelling and reinforced his position as one of Nollywood’s most sought-after musical voices.

As a post-production expert, Tolu Obanro’s profound understanding of sound design, coupled with his mastery of film music composition, scoring, and mixing, places him among the industry’s elite. Affectionately known as Tyanx, he doesn’t merely create sound; he sculpts it meticulously, layer by layer, frequency by frequency. His scores transcend mere accompaniment; they actively participate in the narrative, guiding emotions and acting as an invisible narrator. Obanro demonstrates that silence can be strategic, and noise can be narrative. Every decibel, from the subtle hum beneath dialogue to the swelling crescendo of a climax, serves the story, transforming visual storytelling into a truly immersive and soul-stirring experience.

Tolu Obanro’s talent has fostered collaborations with some of Nollywood’s most respected filmmakers, including Niyi Akinmolayan, Jade Osiberu, and Funke Akindele. His ability to interpret a director’s vision and translate it into compelling music and atmospheric sound has made him an indispensable creative partner. These collaborations have not only enriched individual films but have also significantly enhanced Obanro’s reputation as a reliable and innovative post-production expert. His continued impact in 2024 and 2025 further underscores his consistent creativity and excellence in an industry where quality is paramount.

Beyond individual projects, Tolu Obanro has played a crucial role in elevating the overall standard of sound in Nollywood. His consistent delivery of clean mixes, emotionally resonant soundscapes, and fitting musical scores has demonstrably raised the technical bar for the industry. This progress has made Nollywood films more appealing to international audiences, who increasingly expect a high level of polish in both visuals and sound. Obanro’s influence is undeniably shaping a new era in Nigerian cinema, where sound is no longer an afterthought but an integral component of compelling storytelling.

The recognition Tolu Obanro has received is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. A celebrated Nigerian music composer and sound designer, he was nominated three times for Best Soundtrack/Music Score at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) before finally winning the award in 2025 for his emotive score on “Seven Doors.” This film itself garnered 11 nominations, highlighting the profound impact of his work. His excellence has also earned him the Nigerians Achievers Award in 2022 and a place among the Top 100 Influential Nigerian Gospel Personalities in 2023, affirming his technical brilliance and broad influence across both entertainment and faith-based creative spaces.

In Nollywood, while stunning visuals and captivating stories often take center stage, it is the sound that truly imbues a movie with heart. Tolu Obanro, with his remarkable journey from gospel music production to scoring major films, exemplifies the power of talent, hard work, and passion. With every project, he ensures audiences don’t just hear the movie, but truly feel it. As Nollywood expands its global reach, individuals like Obanro, who deeply understand the art of sound, are instrumental in making African stories resonate globally. He is more than a sound designer; he is a sound storyteller whose masterful compositions and auditory creations will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the world of cinema.