Toyin Adekale: A Trailblazer in Reggae, a Beacon for Women in Music

stephen Ellis
Aug 15
3 min read

Toyin Adekale - Restoration

A Bold Start: Roots, Chart-Topping Hits, and Beyond

Toyin’s musical journey began at age 15 when she joined the London reggae band The Instigators, under the guidance of sound system icon Fatman . She achieved early success with the reggae chart-topper “Let’s Make Love”, later further cementing her solo acclaim with hits like “Touch a Four Leaf Clover”, “Gee Baby”, “Here I Go Again”, and an impactful collaboration, “Man With The Agony” with Daddy Screw.

Her career includes performances before global audiences—stages graced by royalty and dignitaries from the Kremlin to Buckingham Palace, and even the Houses of Parliament. She also held a remarkable 13-year tenure as a member of Boney M featuring Maizie Williams, solidifying her standing in music's pantheon.

Versatility, Vision, and Cultural Fusion

Toyin transcends genre constraints. While rooted in Roots reggae and Lovers Rock, her artistry embraces Soul, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Gospel, Afrobeat, branching into unexpected musical collaborations—including a reggae-opera fusion with Chinese opera singer Jane Maria and Indian Bhangra icon Tubsy Dholki Walla.

She is the founder-director of the Talithavoices Choir—the UK’s premier reggae gospel choir, with branches in both the UK and US—and co-founder of the Lovers Rock Reunion concert series.

Author, Advocate, and Storyteller

Toyin’s creative scope extends beyond music. Her debut book, “I Do, Do You?”, follows an inspirational theme; she’s also written children’s stories like “The Crystal City” and “Money Loves Me”, and the best-selling pandemic-inspired narrative “My Mind Wide Open – Surviving Mental Lockdown”.

Resilience Through Adversity

In 2005, Toyin relocated to the United States to raise her children and embrace a less public yet profoundly transformative path. Facing health issues, divorce, and personal upheaval, she shifted her focus from fame toward purpose-driven artistic expression and community impact.

A Young Rebel with a Cause

From her early years, Toyin demonstrated tenacity. At nine, she petitioned to join boxing classes—challenging gender norms and showcasing her fearless spirit. Her drive led her to leave home at 15 to pursue her passion for music, despite cultural and familial resistance.

She’s a living testament to the idea: “Just because it hasn't been done, doesn’t mean it can't be done.” Conscious Lee Writes Blog.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Toyin Adekale stands among reggae’s most esteemed female voices—not just for her vocal talent, but for how she broke barriers: as a formative presence in bands and as a solo artist; a bridge-builder across musical styles; and a leader fostering community via choir, storytelling, and art.

She represents resilience, innovation, and mentorship—proof that music can be a vessel for social change, empowerment, and healing.

Toyin Adekale with Sir Cliff Richard — Toyin with Sir Cliff Richard

Why Toyin Adekale Is More Than a Legend

Pioneering Female Leadership: In a male-dominated reggae scene, she carved her path with talent, vision, and tenacity.
Musical Versatility: From reggae roots to cross-cultural collaborations, Toyin’s artistry defies constraint.
Community Building: Through Talithavoices, she created platforms that uplift collective voices.
Artistic Integrity: Her transition toward writing and storytelling emphasizes substance, purpose, and empathy.
Inspiring Resilience: Her life story—running away to perform at 15, overcoming hardship, evolving creatively—is a beacon for aspiring artists.