We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Oretayo Fatokun. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with oretayo below.
Oretayo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I took was pursuing music while still holding down a full-time job. It wasn’t just a financial risk—it consumed every part of my life. I threw all my income into my music, despite having people around me constantly draining my resources. I handed over money to advertisers and music marketers, and while some of those ventures ended up being financial losses, they taught me invaluable lessons about the industry. It felt like a gamble every time I invested, but I believed in the long-term vision.
I worked multiple jobs simultaneously, sacrificing my personal life and sense of fun just to make it. Eventually, this relentless grind caused me to lose parts of my personality, and I became more isolated. I took a leap into music production, learning how to write songs and share them with the world, putting myself out there despite my inexperience. Each failure was a lesson, but at the time, they felt like setbacks. I was also building my brand online, which led to losing friends who misunderstood my transformation, calling me proud or egotistic when I was really just evolving.
One particularly bold move was traveling to Kenya to promote my music. I took this leap in hopes of reaching a new audience, stepping way outside my comfort zone. It was unfamiliar territory—culturally and musically—but I knew I had to take risks to grow.
Perhaps one of the most defining risks was when I decided to put all my belongings in storage in Dallas. I had been living in a high-rise, but instead of signing another lease and feeling tied down, I chose a nomadic lifestyle. I moved from one short-term living situation to another, avoiding being locked into any one place, all while continuing to work a 9-5 job and focus on creating music. It was mentally exhausting, but I was determined to make it work.
During this time, I became so laser-focused on my music that I started neglecting my health. I felt like the only solution was to “die to oneself”—sacrificing everything because my dream of music felt like the only thing that mattered. This mindset wasn’t new to me; in college and grad school, I’d adopted a similar approach, except back then, there were clear goals like studying and passing exams. But music was different—there was no clear beginning or end, no roadmap to follow. Even so, I held onto the belief that the music inside me was worth the struggle.
While my friends were buying homes and moving up in their careers, I was facing mental struggles, constantly switching jobs due to the instability of corporate life. It felt like I was stuck in limbo, trying not to fail while knowing that my family and friends were watching. They supported me, but there was also this unspoken pressure. Doubt would creep in, especially as I kept pouring everything I had into my music, unsure if it would ever pay off.
Ultimately, the risks I took molded me into the person and artist I am today. Each leap, no matter how painful or uncertain, has been a step forward. Some risks brought hard lessons, while others led to unexpected growth. But in the end, it all came down to the belief that my music was worth fighting for, even when the odds weren’t in my favor.
Oretayo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Oretayo Fatokun, but I’m widely known as TyStringz—a multifaceted Afrobeats and Afrofusion artist, engineer, and visionary. My journey into the world of music and technology is a blend of creativity, passion, and a relentless drive to make a unique impact in both fields.
How I Got Into My Craft
My path began in Nigeria, where I was born and raised. From a young age, I was immersed in the rich culture and sounds of my environment, which sparked my love for music. Over time, I honed my musical skills, experimenting with various genres such as jazz, blues, soul, Afrobeat, RnB, and indie rock. My innate ability to merge traditional African rhythms with contemporary music laid the groundwork for my signature Afrofusion sound.
While music was always a passion, I also pursued a rigorous academic path. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science at 19 and completed my master’s at 22, summa cum laude. This led to a prestigious role as a software engineer at Microsoft, where I thrive at the intersection of technology and innovation.
My Creative Works and What I Offer
As an artist, my work spans across multiple facets of music creation. I am a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and vocalist, crafting songs that resonate with people across the world. My debut hit single, Shalaye (Reloaded), reached No. 2 on the iTunes Worldwide Chart Genre and helped put my sound on the global map. I specialize in blending traditional African sounds with modern beats, which I believe makes my music relatable to a diverse audience. I’ve also released songs like Jara, which have amassed millions of streams, further solidifying my impact.
In addition to my music, I’ve built an entrepreneurial venture—SoundGorithm—an app designed to revolutionize how music is created by merging technology and art. This innovation stems from my dual background in technology and music, which enables me to bring fresh, forward-thinking solutions to the industry.
Problems I Solve and What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my versatility—not just musically but also in my approach to problem-solving. In my music career, I provide authenticity and innovation, using my background to create high-quality music that merges genres in ways that defy conventions. I also solve technical problems within the music industry, offering innovative ways to approach music creation and production through my tech projects.
I’m proud to say that what distinguishes me is my ability to balance these two demanding fields—music and technology—without compromising on quality. My work doesn’t just entertain; it pushes boundaries and creates new opportunities for both artists and tech enthusiasts.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I take immense pride in my journey from Nigeria to the global stage, where I now blend Afrobeats with a host of other genres to create something unique. My performances at SXSW 2024 and appearances on platforms like ABC’s Good Morning Texas and CBS’s Great Day Houston are achievements that mean a lot to me because they represent my growth as both an artist and an entrepreneur. But perhaps what I’m most proud of is the balance I’ve struck between my career as a software engineer at Microsoft and my passion for music.
My philosophy is simple—“My music is like pizza; anyone can take a slice from it.” I want my work to resonate with anyone who listens, and I create music that is both approachable and relatable across cultures.
This journey has been challenging, with moments of self-doubt, financial strain, and balancing a 9-5 job with a demanding music career. But through perseverance, I’ve been able to turn these struggles into strengths, building a brand that reflects my love for both music and technology.
Looking Ahead
With millions of streams and a growing audience, I continue to evolve as both an artist and entrepreneur. Whether through innovative technology projects like SoundGorithm or chart-topping music, I aim to push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to the global music scene.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to create something that deeply resonates with people on an emotional level. When I reflect on legendary musicians like Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, or John Coltrane, I’m inspired by how their music transcends generations and cultures. That’s the legacy I want to build with my own music. It’s incredibly fulfilling to take my personal experiences, heritage, and technical knowledge and craft something that can touch hearts across the world. I don’t just want to make music that feels good in the moment—I want it to be something that leaves a lasting impact and continues to speak to people for years to come.
As for my mission as an artist, it’s clear: I aim to create music that stands the test of time, much like the works of icons such as Leonard Cohen, Tracy Chapman, and Miles Davis. My goal is for my music to go beyond being a fleeting pleasure—it should resonate with people for decades, regardless of where they come from. While I’m currently focused on Afrobeats and indie music, my versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, writer, and vocalist allows me to explore various musical landscapes. I also bring a unique perspective through my background as a software engineer and soccer player, which adds depth to my work.
Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy with my music—something that inspires, moves, and connects with people all around the world. As I always say, “My music is like pizza; everyone can take a slice from it.” It’s approachable and universal, with something for everyone, and that’s exactly how I want it to be remembered.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
There is a clear mission driving my creative journey: I don’t want to just be a passerby in this life. Yes, I graduated summa cum laude with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science and have worked for some of the top companies in the world, but that doesn’t give me the sense of purpose I’m striving for. I want to be remembered, to change the course of my family’s future, and to make a lasting impact.
My goal is to blend my IT knowledge with my passion for music to help independent artists like myself navigate the music industry without falling victim to the money-driven individuals who prey on their dreams. I strongly believe that data is the key to everything, and with my understanding of music, AI, and technology, I aim to help artists overcome the struggles that often make them give up. Whether it’s dealing with supposed gatekeepers or navigating the complexities of the industry, I want to empower artists to succeed on their own terms, without being stifled by people who want them to fail.
This mission is what fuels my creativity and my drive to not only make music but to revolutionize the way independent musicians thrive in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/TyStringz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tystringz/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tystringzmusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tystringz-%F0%9F%8E%B8%F0%9F%8E%B9%F0%9F%87%B3%F0%9F%87%AC-b53511256?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BWxmrdJuaQt2gEzSxvEfrhg%3D%3D
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyStringz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tystringz4427
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-845967953-159396452
Image Credits
I have the full rights to all pictures and images