Tomi Folayan’s recent ‘Tehillah concert’ in Hull proved to be a powerful statement about faith, community, and creative outreach, as he took bold steps to redefine how gospel music can impact society. Entirely hosted and organized by Tomi himself, the event was deliberately held outside the traditional church setting, embodying the belief that God’s presence is not confined within church walls but can be experienced anywhere. In the heart of Hull, the concert drew a diverse and eager crowd for an unforgettable evening of worship and connection, demonstrating that spiritual renewal can thrive in everyday spaces.
The night opened with a spontaneous 45-minute worship session led by Tomi, a deeply Spirit-led moment that instantly transformed the atmosphere. Attendees described it as a profoundly moving encounter with God proof that sincere, unrestrained worship can turn any environment into sacred ground. “It was a moment where the presence of God filled the room,” one attendee shared. “You could feel it in your spirit, and it reminded us that worship is everywhere if we open our hearts.”
What made Tehillah Concert even more remarkable was its unconventional timing and innovative approach to promotion. Held on a weekday traditionally a challenging time to gather large crowds Tomi defied expectations and succeeded in filling the venue. His grassroots marketing strategy involved selecting random locations around Hull, giving people headsets, and encouraging them to listen to his music on Spotify.
This personal, on-the-ground approach sparked curiosity and drew in a wide range of attendees who were professionals, parents, locals, and visitors highlighting a deep, often underappreciated hunger for authentic gospel experiences in cities like Hull.
The lineup was both impressive and diverse. Among the standout performers was Leanndra Williams, a former Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Kenneth Right a musician who has his songs featured in Nollywood films like ‘Thorns & Rose’. Another talented artiste, Fope who is a gifted drummer Tomi met during his master’s studies at the University of Hull. Each artiste brought their unique flavor, elevating the evening’s spiritual and musical richness.
The event also served as a meaningful reunion. Tomi reconnected with a childhood friend, Oyin Bamidele and former collaborator from Olympas Shihon Music Group, who had worked alongside gospel star Minister GUC at EeZee Conceptz before relocating to the UK. Their shared history and mutual passion for worship added an authentic layer to the event, emphasizing the deep roots and strong network Tomi has cultivated within the gospel community across continents.
Tomi’s strategic vision for gospel music has been years in the making. As a devoted member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Amazing Grace Chapel, he believes in taking worship beyond the pulpit and into the streets, workplaces, and everyday spaces. His inspiration is rooted in the biblical call to “go into all the world and preach the gospel,” a mandate he actively interprets through initiatives like Tehillah. His influence extends well beyond Hull, with efforts to encourage other gospel artists like Limoblaze and Marizu to consider performing in Northern cities such as Hull and Manchester areas often overlooked in the gospel concert landscape centered around London and Birmingham.
Before the concert began, Tomi was seen speaking with artistes urging them to bring their music to places where revival is most needed not just performance but deep worship. With roots deeply embedded in Nigeria’s vibrant gospel scene and a network that spans continents, Tomi is more than just a concert organizer; he is a cultural bridge-builder and catalyst for change.
In an interview, Tomi Folayan stressed that Tehillah Concert will be a more frequent experience.
