Nigerian folklore vocal diva, Shola Allyson-Obaniyi has shared the essence and creative process behind her music. The songstress and cultural ambassador is one musician that you cannot just whisk past or her music though her song is indigenous (Yoruba language).
Shola who just celebrated two decades since she released the song that brought her do limelight “Eji Owuro” spoke to the media on her journey into the life and music. She stated that there have been several testimonies and accolades on how her music has changed lives, soothed minds and delivered from suicide tendencies.
“2003 seems like Yesterday and I give Glory to ,God. Eji Owuro was a soundtrack of a movie and It took a life of its own signposting my musical career. I have released 12 albums in 20 years and another one is in the works, I have heard several accolades on how mu music has healed homes, reunited families and impacted lives. I am just a pencil in the hands of my creator,. I have not arrived yet as I still have more to offer as I combine my career with motherhood,” she said.
With 11 albums in the kitty and a sterling music career which is still unfolding before her very eyes, Shola who graduated from The Polytechnic, Ibadan and studied Music Technology, majoring in Voice and minoring in Music, is an open book as she spoke of her journey born into a muslim family, learnt from being a choir leader in different churches notably the Celestial Church of Christ and meeting with Prof Oluwole Oladejo Adetiran who mentored her music career among others.
On collaboration with other musicians in her songs, the songstress said it depends on the song she is putting out as the creative process in composing her songs which are mostly divine and spontaneous, does not allow her the latitude to feature other musicians in her album.
However, the iconic singer stated that she had collaborated with Urban Hi-Life Nigerian musician, Adekunle Gold in her ‘Imuse’ album and also woth the younger gospel minister, Sunmisola Agbebi-Okeleye who got married recently.
“I am a very sensitive and introspective singer with attention for details and so my creative process sometimes do not allow me to have the time and effort to collaborate with another musician. But if the Holy Spirit guides me, I will surely collabo with musicians of my calibre. I featured Adekunle Gold in the folklore ‘Alujanjankijan’ and it was fun and great. I also did with Sunmisola. I am a musician to the core and values what I do”.
With hits like Gbeje F’ori, Ire and Im’oore amongst others, “Eji Owuro”, “Obinrin Ni Mi”, “Aseye”, “Isinmi” are some of her popular songs, the queen of folklore, is not resting on her oars as she hopes to last and be relevant like old wine in the music industry. In celebrating 20 years of fulfilling career, the Amazon hosted fans and music lovers to a gratitude concert, performing with her full band to delight of many.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
