Tosin Jegede remains one of Nigeria’s most memorable child singers from the 1980s. Her early music resonated with many Nigerians, especially parents and children, at a time when child‑oriented popular music was rare in the country. Over time she left the spotlight, moved abroad to pursue education, and later returned to focus on children’s welfare. This is the verified account of her life and work based on public records and credible media coverage.
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Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Tosin Jegede emerged as a child singing sensation in the 1980s. Her debut album is listed as Children Arise (1985), followed by Leaders of Africa in 1989 and Children of Africa in 1992.
Her music attracted considerable attention because her voice, age, and messages about children’s concerns, such as education and parental responsibility, stood out in the Nigerian music scene of that time.
By the late 1980s, she was regarded as one of the most prominent child performers in Nigeria. The acclaim she received as a child singer was linked to the novelty of having a young voice deliver socially conscious messages at a time when many popular songs were adult‑oriented.
Record Contract and Challenges
In 1989, Tosin Jegede signed a 25‑year contract with Polygram Records. She publicly announced in March 2014 that she had been released from that contract.
In an interview she explained that the contract covered only her albums rather than her as an artiste. She further revealed that she never received payment under the deal.
According to her, a major challenge was that no record label at the time had experience managing a child star. This lack of experience, combined with difficulties in promoting a child artiste at adult‑oriented venues, limited the opportunities for her to perform regularly or tour as a child singer.
This case illustrates the structural difficulties child artistes faced in the Nigerian music industry then, a market that was seldom organised to support or nurture under‑aged musical talent beyond novelty popularity.
Education Abroad and Life Outside Music
After her early success, Tosin Jegede relocated to the United Kingdom to further her education. In an interview she stated she studied Business Decision and Analysis at the University of the West of England (some sources refer to it simply as “University of West England”).
During her time in the UK she worked briefly in the pension industry, according to her own statement.
Her decision to step away from music and study abroad was motivated by a desire for normalcy, personal development, and a safer environment. In a 2012 interview she said that during her childhood there were threats to her safety, including alleged danger at some university‑campuses in Nigeria, which contributed to her decision to leave the country.
She stated that she wanted to “grow into adulthood” and gain life experience before considering returning to the music industry.
Return to Nigeria and Shift to Advocacy
Tosin returned to Nigeria and redirected her focus from music to childhood education and welfare. She initiated the Tosin Jegede Foundation (TJF) and launched the project One Child, One Book, with the aim of promoting literacy and encouraging a reading culture among Nigerian children.
According to media reports, through this initiative she facilitated the distribution of books to pupils in primary schools, especially those unable to afford reading material.
In one reported outreach, the initiative distributed books and stationery to schoolchildren under a sponsorship from a UK‑based partner.
Through this shift, Tosin Jegede demonstrated a commitment to using her fame and resources to support children’s education rather than seeking renewed prominence in the music industry.
Present Status and Influence
In later public statements, Tosin has expressed a willingness to return to music “later,” but emphasised that currently her focus remains on social impact through her foundation rather than recording or performing music.
Her early work continues to hold nostalgic value for many Nigerians who grew up hearing her music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, especially on television and radio.
Meanwhile, her foundation’s activities and her advocacy for literacy contribute to her legacy beyond music. Her decision to channel her public recognition into an educational cause shows a dimension of social responsibility rarely documented among former child stars in Nigeria.
Why Tosin Jegede’s Story Matters
Tosin Jegede’s journey holds importance for several reasons. First, she represents one of Nigeria’s earliest successes in developing a child music star whose songs addressed social issues such as education and the welfare of children. Her rise demonstrated that children’s voices could resonate broadly with audiences and contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
Second, her experiences exposed challenges in the Nigerian music industry of the time, especially for child artistes. Her contract experience with Polygram Records highlights structural problems in record deals, artist remuneration, and long‑term support for youth talent.
Third, by transitioning from music to education advocacy, Tosin’s story underscores the possibility of leveraging fame for social good. Her foundation and literacy initiatives reflect a commitment to giving back, especially in a country where access to books and educational materials remains uneven.
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Author’s Note
Finally, her narrative offers a cautionary lesson for current and future child artistes regarding the need for proper representation, fair contracts, and long-term planning beyond immediate fame.
Reference
Tosin Jegede finally released from 25‑year music contract with Polygram Records. TheNet.ng.
I left the country to escape from being kidnapped, Tosin Jegede. Vanguard Nigeria, 2012.
Old Skool child celebrity Tosin Jegede explains pet project, One Child One Book. Encomium Weekly.
