Literally speaking, Sola Allyson-Obaniyi is another dyed in the wool kind of vocalist. This endears her to even fans alien to her medium of expression, Yoruba. Twenty five years of singing professionally and “Olusola” as she’s fondly called, is enamoured by both budding and skilled musicians. Some even think she has been fiercely competing with equally riveting gospel singer, Tope Alabi. In this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA [THISDAY], the songstress reveals all that colours her world
Why I relocated to Lagos…
I was born in Lagos. I grew up in Lagos till I got married and my husband was transferred to Ibadan. And we lived in Ibadan for ten years; ten eventful years. I believe this Lagos step is a spiritual one. I may not use the right words, but what I mean is that it is a leading of the spirit. I did not just plan or scheme it; it just always was impressed on my heart to do. And it has been five years. It always came and went. We tried, and rescinded. We left it there. When it is time, we would know, my husband said. And we believe now is the time, please don’t ask how we knew, it’s beyond verbal explanation. And the provision was made available. I believe God Knows best. Lagos is a land of opportunities. I know that. But I believe in opportunities following me to the land I am in; the opportunities of the land I am in to be mine. It is about where God wants us to be. And I had so much peace and fulfillment living in Ibadan. I am not confused. I trust God, and I believe, deep in my depth, that I am taking a step I must take.
Secret of my towering career…
There is no magic wand. It is the help of God. Eji Owuro enjoyed tremendous acceptance beyond expectation and imagination. But then, all my albums after then, Gbeje F’ori, Ire, Im’oore and Adun have also been accepted tremendously. It is just that I have the privilege of being sensitive to how God wants me to deliver the message he sent me with. And when you tread the path you are made to tread, not minding whether it would be popular or not, expressing yourself like yourself, your world listens and looks your way, and you are called “unique”, “distinct” and so on.
How I revitalise my velvet voice…
My voice is a heavenly endowment. By erudition, I am a musicologist, by profession, I am a singer. The link shows I have been given the spiritual and physical help and skill to retain my voice. I try as much as possible to stay close to the giver of the gift for the gift to get oiled.
Challenges of stardom…
No, stardom is not a bed of roses. But you have a choice. All of us have the capability to define the way we want to live our lives. Yes, music is my purpose and the world calls one who is seen as successful in performing arts as a “star”, but being a star does not define who I am. I am a woman who knows who she is in creation, what she’s made to do and sets boundaries for herself which she’s always conscious of.
Music beyond denomination lines…
I am a Christian who tries as much as possible to walk the path of light, regardless of the distractions of religious segregations. I used to be a Celestian. And I believe I needed to walk that path. I am always grateful to God for making me walk that path. All the experiences I have made me who I am today and I believe there is no mistake in God’s plans. It is more than whether you are in Celestial or Pentecostal. It is about being in the environment where his plans take you for learning, for getting the lessons you need to learn in life, to make your soul finer, to make you who you should be. Denominations are a distraction. We should strive to do according to the word, according to the message of love Jesus brought to us. And talking about my line of duty, those whom I am sent to are those who would love what I do and buy my works and listen to me. I do not assume everyone likes me or would invite me. There are Muslims that are in love with my works, even those who do not understand my language. It is beyond what physical ears can understand, but what the human spirit can experiences. We all have our audience, those we are sent to, religion or not, denomination or not.
The commercial success of my albums…
All of my albums have been successful, depending on how you look at it. In terms of affecting the souls of men, all my albums have been successful. I have heard testimonies that made me cry in worship to God for giving me this gift of writing and singing songs. As for monetary success, I thank God for where I am. If I do not have the little I have, God would still be God and I would still be a singer. I did just an album, Eji Owuro and everything changed for me. I look up for more help, to experience real financial breakthrough as I walk the path I’m called to walk. Money will come, I believe.
Read full article on ThisDay Newspaper
