Olalekan Akintunde Akinola (Tunde Fisher): The Rhythm of Data and Soul

In this exclusive interview, we meet Olalekan Akintunde Akinola (Tunde Fisher), a Nigerian artist whose career is built at the intersection of deep cultural traditions and modern technology. He speaks candidly about how a degree in Data Science helps him navigate the music charts and why Afrobeat became for him not just a genre, but a true calling from his roots.

Olalekan, could you please tell us how your journey into music began? What inspired you to become an artist, and why did you choose Afrobeat and Afro-pop?

I started out in the choir as a little boy and we are musically inclined in my house so it came naturally. Afrobeats and Afro-pop has influenced my creativity in such an amazing way, I find myself reading books and writing a lot of songs based on my personal experiences. Choosing Afrobeat and Afro-pop was like answering a calling from my roots, you know? It’s more than just music; it’s a vibe, this is culture at play, these are stories of joy and pain.

In your tracks, you combine traditional African rhythms with modern beats. How do you find the balance between tradition and modernity?

Music is spiritual and it has no language barrier so it’s quite easy to blend African rhythms with modern beats. For instance, in Afrobeat music we use a lot of instruments from drums, to the saxophone, guitar, violin, you name it, and you can see the similarities with modern beats which also use a lot of instruments. Also, I listen to a lot of foreign music and this has helped me find that balance which is so amazing, I must say.

You hold a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and a master's degree in Data Science. How do these skills influence your creativity and marketing strategy in the music industry?

Mass Communication helped me in easy communication because I got to do a lot of media training in school from hosting a radio talk show with a colleague to writing scripts for a play. Funny enough, I also worked in a media organization while I was doing my internship and it exposed me to a lot of media work, that was a really fun moment I must say. Also, data science helps me analyze data using social media, streaming platforms, gaining insight into my audience demography and preferences. Also, by analyzing data from past performances, including setlists and audience reactions, musicians like myself can optimize their live shows to maximize audience enjoyment and engagement.

You mention drawing inspiration from both legendary and contemporary artists. Could you name a few and explain how they influenced your development?

I grew up listening to the likes of 2face Idibia, Psquare, Dbanj, Wizkid, Davido and many more who are big legends in the game. Chris Brown really made me fall in love with R&B and you can see a fusion of that in my love songs. Seeing them still in the game helped my development to be resilient and keep pushing.

Your lyrics often touch on themes of love, resilience, and the everyday experiences of youth. What inspires you to write such songs?

Afrobeats is a happy sound and also when you have a lover you just want to sing for her. For instance, “Waiting on You” was sung when I just left a relationship so I had to pour out my mind about how much I loved the person. “Attention” was also a song for a new girl at the time just basically telling her to give me her attention (laughs), I’m a lover boy with my full chest. Also, experiencing the day-to-day struggle inspired me to make my debut single called “Know”—it was basically me asking God when will this music I’m doing become so big and also concluding that no one knows apart from God.

On the competitive Nigerian music scene, you’ve managed to carve out your niche. In your opinion, what makes your sound and approach unique? What challenges have you faced?

I will say my vocal ability has set me on my lane and my sound is different and filled with melodies. One challenge I think I’ve faced is the struggle when you’re a rising star and people don’t really want to pay attention, but I’m still on the grind and I’m making my way to the top.

Which of your singles do you consider the most successful, and why?

I will say “Attention” is my most successful song and it amazes me a lot. There’s something about the beat that just makes you want to sing and dance and that’s the Afrobeats magic. The reception of the songs at my gigs is so lit!

You aim to serve as a cultural ambassador for Nigeria and use music for positive social impact. Could you share examples of how you’ve implemented this mission?

I’ve been able to collaborate on a song with Beatsabar and the NHS addressing mental health issues which is a notable social impact. The goal is to continue to inspire and encourage people to never stop. You can check out “Don’t Ever Rush” by myself and Markizzy—it’s an amazing tune.

How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in your career?

My fans are everything to me to be honest. They play a huge role by streaming my songs, by commenting on my posts, by turning up for my shows. My fans play a pivotal role in my career; they are my biggest supporters and motivators. Their energy fuels my creativity, and their love pushes me to strive for greatness. When they stream my music, attend my shows, and share my work, it creates a powerful community. I feel like we’re on this journey together. Their voices and stories inspire me every day, and I’m grateful for every single one of them.

How would you describe your music creation process — from the initial idea to the final track?

Sometimes it starts with the rhythm of the beat in the studio, sometimes it starts off the top of my head, I mean sometimes it could be something random, it’s very spiritual. I might be chilling with my boys or vibing to the sounds of the streets, and then bam! An idea comes alive. From there, I usually grab my phone and quickly record the idea and start laying down some vocals. The groove is everything, so I focus on creating a rhythm that makes you want to move! Sometimes it could be a YouTube beat that goes crazy! And a melody comes and then words come and then I buzz my producer and share the idea and we link up in the studio. I lay my vocals, add some new spice to it, back ups, lots of melodies. The final stage is mixing and mastering. That’s the icing on the cake with the cherry on top lol! Then we share with the world. God is good!

How do you see the future development of Afrobeat and Afro-pop?

Well, Afrobeats is gaining momentum globally and I feel like it’s the most sought-after genre right now and I’m happy to be a part of the journey. When you see many stars who have done it, you just have to feel inspired and make an impact also in the scene. There are so many talents coming out of Nigeria every day doing music and for sure it’s going to be a bigger moment than it is now. In another 5 or 10 years there are so many doors that will be opened! I’m excited!

What are your plans for the near future? Can we expect a new album?

For now I’m focusing on dropping singles but definitely an EP is on the way because I’ve been recording a lot of beautiful music. I want to do more shows God willing—different cities, countries to share my music. I’m dropping new music with Abigail Asante in a few, this is a fusion of Afrobeats and UK rap music. The idea was to find a balance between two worlds like I said I listen to a lot of foreign music. This one is a smash for sure so watch the space!

Tunde Fisher's story is a vivid example of how deep roots and academic discipline can create something entirely new on the modern music scene. His ability to interweave the magic of African rhythms with the precision of data analysis makes him not just a performer, but a strategist of his own career and a cultural diplomat. As Tunde prepares for new releases and international shows, one thing is clear: his voice is the voice of the new Nigeria, where sincerity of feeling and technological progress go hand in hand. We can only watch his ascent and catch the new vibrations he so generously shares with the world.