For Norwegian-Nigerian singer Tolou, music has always been about bringing different worlds together. That cross-cultural blend extends seamlessly into her sound, where Scandinavian pop meets the rhythm and fluidity of Afrobeats. It also found a new expression when she performed in India for the first time at Lollapalooza this year, a long-held dream that left her inspired by the energy of Mumbai’s audience and the country’s cultural vibrancy.
In this conversation, Tolou opens up about how her mixed cultural upbringing in Northern Norway and her connection to her Nigerian roots have shaped her identity and music, the challenges of finding her voice in the American music industry, and her desire to create songs that feel freeing and healing. She also speaks about discovering Indian music more deeply, her growing interest in Bollywood, and why artistes like AP Dhillon and Ankur Tewari are currently on her radar.
Excerpts:
You performed in India for the first time during Lollapalooza 2026. Talk to us about that experience?
I wanted to go to India my whole life. It was such a dream to be able to come here and perform. I had a good experience and got a good impression of the culture and people. The energy of the crowd in Mumbai was very alive, and the audience was engaged, welcoming and present. It was my favourite live performance. I brought my dancers from Paris. Seeing all of the people dancing and moving with the music was truly special. I’m looking forward to my next performance.
Do you listen to Indian music?
Yes. I had listened to a bit of Indian music earlier, but I’ve been exploring it much more recently. I find it inspiring, especially the way different cultures come together, blending traditional sounds with more worldly sounds. That’s how I make my music, by mixing Scandinavian pop influence with Afrobeats.
Some of my current favourites are AP Dhillon and Ankur Tewari. I also discovered Bollywood after performing at Lollapalooza. It is fascinating how Indian sounds can be brought into different genres across the world. In a way, it’s similar to what we do with Afrobeats, branching into styles like Afro-country, Afro-pop, and Afro-house.
How has growing up in a mixed culture shaped your music and journey?
I grew up mainly in Northern Norway and around Norwegian culture. I went to Nigeria for the first time in 2023, but it was always important for me to identify with my Nigerian culture as well. That’s why I have my micro braids on my head, my mother did them. It’s a representation of who I am, a part of my identity. I see the world from a slightly different perspective, because my surroundings weren’t very typical. I’m almost from the North Pole, it’s very cold and dark for months of the year. But then we also have the midnight sun, where it’s bright at 2 am. That makes people from the North quite authentic and straightforward. That gives me a different perspective at times. And that’s also why I appreciate coming to a place like India. People here seem very humble, very down-to-earth and honest. That’s something I really connect with.
At what point in your life did you realise that music is your true calling?
It’s almost like I was born with that kind of instinct or intuition in me. I always wanted to create music and was looking up to the big pop stars like Rihanna and Beyonce. I wanted to be like them when I was older. I had to go through some challenges to get where I am today. But I wanted to be myself and share with the world the way I see and feel things. I’m a happy and optimistic person. I’m very hopeful and want to bring that out through my music.
What are some of the artists you got inspired by?
One of my earliest and biggest inspirations is Beyoncé. She has an insane work ethic and is a great performer. I love Frank Ocean for how creative and artistic he is. Lana Del Rey is also a cool artist. I want to do what makes sense for me and makes me feel good. Afrobeats makes me feel like I want to dance. Scandinavian pop makes me feel seen emotionally. So I wanted to combine these two. Hopefully, one day, someone is going to say that I inspired them.
What do you want people to take away from your music?
I want people to feel good and be seen through my music. And hopefully, some of the songs can be a little bit healing. I hope they think that I am a nice and fun person. I try to make people not take themselves too seriously. I want to tell them to speak their minds, be a little bit unserious, and not be perfect all the time. I hope people remember that freedom, energy and confidence when they see me.
What has been the most challenging moment so far in your musical career?
It was after I came to America for the first time. I was really tested in terms of how much of my own voice and opinions I was going to listen to. I was a young girl who was not used to the American culture. I was hearing a lot of inputs on how to do things, how to sing and dress. There were some challenging months where I had to figure out who I was. I knew who I was in Norway, but I didn’t know who I was here in America, being a part of this big music industry with all these expectations placed on women. There’s a lot of pressure on young female artists to look a certain way or to present themselves in specific ways to succeed. It was a battle at times, but I had to keep my integrity very strong.
But when I was taking care of myself, and following my heart, it naturally strengthened my connection with my audience. The audience could feel it, they could tell that I was happy. Today, I’m thankful that I’ve landed where I have, and I have a very supportive team around me.
Who are some artistes on your collaboration wishlist?
I would love to collaborate with AP Dillon and Ankur Tewari and come back to India to dive a little bit more into the culture and the film industry. I want to see some Bollywood films. I’m going to keep watching and learning about the culture. It’s very beautiful and colourful.
I just released my album and it’s doing great. I’m about to set up some more performances. Right now it is about building my audience and building my artistry.
