Oluwatosin "Tosyn" Bucknor (15 August 1981 – 19 November 2018) was a Nigerian writer, singer-songwriter, radio and television host, social media content creator and a Vlogger[1] who died of sickle cell anaemia.[2] Until her death, she worked with Inspiration FM as a journalist and also ran ‘These Genes Project’ to help people with sickle cell anaemia.[3]
Radio for Tosyn started with Tee A on Eko 89.7FM after which she interned at Cool FM Nigeria where she hosted the Fun Hour Show on Saturdays. In 2009, Tosyn joined Top Radio 90.9 FM where she hosted the morning show,[6] "Top Of The Morning" until 2017. She was the only female radio host handling the morning belt by herself.[7] In 2018, Tosyn moved to join Inspiration FM, Lagos where she was until she passed.[8] Apart from Radio, Tosyn was an avid podcaster. She created "OAP 101"[9] for aspiring media personalities.
Music
Tosyn was a singer-songwriter with one album ('Pop Rock Soul and Jara').[10] Two of her songs have been used as soundtracks for the short film "Ireti". Tosyn wrote, sang, recorded and performed music as CON.tra.diction. As a recording artist and singer-songwriter, she has worked with artists like Skales, Rooftop MCs and Eva, as well as producers like Sess, Tintin, Coldflames, Dj Klem, Knighthouse, Micworx and Cobhams.[11]
Music credits
– Performed at Naijazz, Laff and Jamz, Swe Hip hop Valentine, Muson Jazz Festival, Trip City and Friends, My Groovy Valentine, Wax Lyrical, Inspiration Fm Family Festival, Fashion Show at Rehab, One Soul's Album Launch, Music For Soul at Ember Creek, Koffi's Green Zone at Unilag, ONE MIC NAIJA.
– Contributed a verse to the voter's awareness song organised by '1 Thumb'
– CON.tra.diction did a cameo of ‘Sorry Song’ on Plumbline's video "Dead presidents"
– Featured on Micworx Music E-mixes mixtape alongside Darey, Asa, Goldie and others
Tosyn also ran ONE MIC NAIJA with Moyo Shomade & Osagie Okunkpolor. One Mic Naija is a concert dedicated to getting new and established acts on the same stage.[12]
Television
Bucknor hosted 'Tosyn's Buzz Live' on Pulse TV every Friday.[13] Her television and acting credits include:
Co-host 3Live Chicks with Oreka Godis and Toke Makinwa (a TV and YouTube show)[14]
Tosyn was found dead[21] by her husband, Aurelien Boyer, when he arrived at home from work on 19 November 2018. Her sister, Funke Bucknor Obruthe said through her instagram account that Tosyn died due to sickle cell complications.[22] She was born with sickle cell anaemia.[23]
Following her death, a poem she had written a few days before her death surfaced online, where she apparently predicted her death.[24]
Recognitions and awards
Nominee, Women in Media Awards 2009
Nominee, Exquisite Lady of the Year Award 2009, 2010, 2011[25]