About
The Story
From a brigade drummer in Lagos to international stages — the journey of a saxophonist who chose to let her instrument speak the language of worship.
Introduction
Oluwafunmilayo Ibukunoluwa Ajayi‑Obidahunsi
Popularly known as Funmisax, she is a celebrated Nigerian female gospel saxophonist, music minister, and musicologist. Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated musical niche, she has built an enduring legacy defined by technical excellence, spiritual depth, and professional versatility.
Originating from Odonoko, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Funmilayo was born in Lagos into a Christian family. Her deeply-rooted relationship with music blossomed during childhood at the Evangelical Church of Yahweh in Maryland, Lagos — where she first picked up the drums as a young member of the church's Brigade Band.
Her trajectory pivoted dramatically when the church acquired a new suite of musical instruments. That curiosity for melody-based instrumentation would lead her to the saxophone — and to a career that has taken her around the world.
The Instrument
Discovering the Saxophone
While she possessed an organic passion for singing, it was the soulful, melodic arrangements of smooth-jazz legend Kenny G that drew her irresistibly toward the saxophone.
“What prompted me was Kenny G’s music… Whenever he plays the instrument, it touches my heart. Saxophone is a soul instrument and I am kind of an emotional person.”
— Funmisax, interview with The Sun Newspaper
What began as childhood curiosity quickly became a calling. She deliberately dedicated her craft to gospel and contemporary jazz, leveraging her platform to inspire, heal, and uplift audiences across continents.
Education
Dual Disciplines
Funmilayo's educational journey highlights a rigorous dedication to balancing professional acumen with musical mastery. She completed her primary education at Emmanuel Primary School and secondary schooling at Ojota Secondary School and Ojodu Grammar School.
She pursued corporate finance, graduating with both a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from Lagos State Polytechnic.
But her curiosity for the theoretical side of music led her further. She auditioned for and secured a prestigious MTN Nigeria Scholarship to study at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) School of Music, Onikan, Lagos (2014–2016) — passing advanced professional graded examinations under both the ABRSM and TRINITY boards, reaching level seven certification.
She went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka — cementing her status as a credentialed musicologist.
Milestones
The Journey So Far
A Rhythm Takes Root
Born into a musical home, young Funmilayo finds her first instrument — the drums — at the Evangelical Church of Yahweh Brigade Band in Maryland, Lagos.
Debut Album 'GRACE'
Releases her first 4-track project, receiving beautiful testimonies and marking her arrival on the gospel music scene.
MUSON School of Music
Awarded an MTN Nigeria scholarship to study at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON). Passes ABRSM and TRINITY professional graded examinations up to level seven.
London Festival of Life
Ministers to a crowd of over 45,000 at the London Festival of Life Concert alongside Chevelle Franklyn, Bukola Bekes, and Pastor Kunle Ajayi.
International Ministry
Continues to minister both home and abroad, sharing stages with Lagbaja, Mike Aremu, Tope Alabi, Nathaniel Bassey, Beejay Sax, Midnight Crew, and many more.
Shared Stages
In Good Company
…and many more across Nigeria and the world.
Life & Family
A New Chapter
Beyond the stage, Funmilayo’s life has blossomed into a beautiful new season. She is happily married to Dotun Obidahunsi — a union celebrated by family, friends, colleagues, and her global fan base under the hashtag #FDlovestory25.
Today, she continues to share milestones of her marital journey alongside her flourishing music ministry, balancing family life with her career as one of Nigeria’s leading female instrumentalists.
Gallery
Moments in Frame
Music
Discography
From her debut 4-track project ‘GRACE’ (2013) to highly sought-after medleys and singles — Tungba Praise, Worship Medley, Igbo Medley, Jesus Loves Me — and her major project ‘Extravagant Praise’, Funmisax’s recordings carry the same anointing felt on her live stages.
Get in Touch
Book Funmisax for Your Event
Available for weddings, corporate galas, concerts, and gospel ministrations worldwide.