Ace singer, Sola Allyson, speaks with EMMANUEL OJO about her gift and career
You started your career early at the age of 13 as a background vocalist. What difference did starting early make for your career?
The early start gave me experience, expertise, insight, being steady and focused, having worked with different artistes in different genres and segments of the music industry, being sure of what I wanted to do and following it through. Knowing I can be whatever I want to be and make impact.
How did you transit from being a background vocalist to being an established artist and band leader?
It is growth. When a path is destined for you and you take it seriously, you will always evolve into the original divine idea behind it; help will always come your way so that you can get bigger, as long as you play your part. I didn’t always know it was destiny; I just did everything my hands found to do really well. So, when it began to open up to me that it’s destiny, the transition and evolution were seamless. That’s why we should be serious and do things well, because we don’t know if it’s destiny calling us into its fulfillment.
What were some of the important lessons you picked up during your days as a back-up singer?
I may not be able to put those lessons into words here. But basically, I saw them (singers), I took in a lot, and it helped me to select or choose what I wanted to be and how to be it.
How old were you when you decided to stand on your own?
I was in my early teens.
What sparked your interest in music in the first place?
Music is not an interest for me; it’s been life from the beginning. The spark for music has always been within me, in my soul. It was lighted by the experiences I’ve had with the people I met on my journey. Music chose me, I didn’t choose music.
Did you face any pressure from your parents not to study music?
I didn’t have that parental pressure experience per se because I didn’t have parents who had much influence on me. I had been left to myself to decide life since really early. So, as of the time I made the decision to study music in school, the choice was entirely mine. I only informed my parents. But my dad, if he had his way, wouldn’t have allowed me and he, indeed, opposed it. But I had begun already. You know, most parents of my generation saw artistes as beggars and people of low virtue, so, looking back now, I do not blame him.
Having studied music, do you feel it gave you an edge over other artists who did not study music?
Having studied music, it gave me the basic knowledge about how to use my gift. Well, it can distinguish me in the sense that I have basic training and skills a singer and songwriter should have because talent is not ever enough. I have the rudimental knowledge of music, but not really an edge over anyone. My only competition is myself. No one needs to have an edge over any other.
What difference did studying music in school made in your career?
As I said before, talent is never enough. The basic skills I learnt having studied music can never be taken away from me and it shows in how I use my voice and in my general delivery. My studying music in school is like a beautiful, untainted ornament on my gift.
Have you at any point in time felt ‘cheated’ when you see other musicians who did not study music but are doing very well in the industry?
Never. It actually depends on the state of the spirit within. If you are sure that everyone walks their journey differently and we all have stops and bends to navigate per time or season, feeling cheated won’t be a thing. And then, I am doing well, with all sense of modesty, therefore, no need to go that route. And I always want to do better. We only need to see what areas to put more effort in and get better. I learn from others a lot, young and old. Feeling cheated would only rob one of important lessons to learn.
What informed the choice of the genre you do?
I didn’t particularly choose it. I express myself as my soul opens up. It is the human system and the existing order which put it under a genre. And I don’t even agree with the genre I have been identified with. But then, it doesn’t matter. Souls are being blessed, lives are being helped, I’m letting my light shine through the light of God, purpose is being fulfilled. That’s the most important thing.
What inspired the track, Eji Owuro, that shot you into the limelight?
Eji Òwúrọ̀ was the soundtrack of Bimbo Osin’s film of the same title, which I was contracted to do. To do the soundtrack, I needed to see the preview copy and read the script of the film. And then, I had yearnings within me at that time of the kind of love I wanted. I only poured myself into that song, pure and simple. Eji Òwúrọ̀ was the cry of my heart about the kind of love journey I wanted to walk. And I believe that’s what a soul wants actually. That’s why there’s easily a connection with the majority of people who come across the song and there would always be that connection, which makes us call it evergreen. Same way with all my songs, I am always being human, just pouring out myself, pure and simple.
It’s been about two decades since you entered into the limelight. How have you been able to stay relevant over these years?
Being human, pure and simple and as I’ve mentioned before, pouring my soul into my songs. Showing my vulnerability to my world, using my failures and my victories, revealing my scars from my mistakes, telling my story that I can and choose to tell per time, as true as possible, baring the state of my heart. Everyone can identify, because we all have these experiences. Maybe not be the same way, but technically, the same thing. Staying relevant borders on this, because the society we’re reaching out to and selling our works to is made up of human beings like us; all of us are souls wanting the same things – hope, happiness, joy. As people in this my kind of business, the way to go is just to be pure and simple. Of course, always staying in the place where one’s spirit is regenerated, staying awake and conscious; and being connected to the source of all.
You’ve had collaborations with other artists like Cobhams Asuquo, Tope Alabi, Adekunle Gold. Which of these collaborations do you consider your favourite?
In the real sense of the word, I had collaboration only with Adekunle Gold. Cobhams only produced songs in my fourth album, Ìm’oore. Tope Alabi and I performed together on stages at a couple of events we met at, we didn’t have collaborations per se. Every appearance and experience I have in using my gift is special to me. I take every one of the experiences seriously because I know I am only being used as a tool for other souls to wake up, connect and develop.
A lot of your lyrics bother on poetry. Was this something you learnt in school?
My writings, in pieces of songs and articles that I put out, are inspired by the spirit within me which works for renewal and regeneration, the life I live, the experiences I’ve gathered, as I’m still growing and leaning more and the yearnings of my soul.
Do you write songs for other artists?
No.
How have you been able to manage your musical career with family life?
I have been able to manage my musical career with my family life because I see that as not “something” to be managed but as life to be lived and lived well. Who I am, the work I do and the family I am building are all life to me and they must be done well. Everyone and everything has challenges and what makes us successful in any area of life is to face these things and do whatever we need to do based on the right values and do them well.
I didn’t particularly choose it. I express myself as my soul opens up. It is the human system and the existing order which put it under a genre. And I don’t even agree with the genre I have been identified with. But then, it doesn’t matter. Souls are being blessed, lives are being helped, I’m letting my light shine through the light of God, purpose is being fulfilled. That’s the most important thing.
What inspired the track, Eji Owuro, that shot you into the limelight?
Eji Òwúrọ̀ was the soundtrack of Bimbo Osin’s film of the same title, which I was contracted to do. To do the soundtrack, I needed to see the preview copy and read the script of the film. And then, I had yearnings within me at that time of the kind of love I wanted. I only poured myself into that song, pure and simple. Eji Òwúrọ̀ was the cry of my heart about the kind of love journey I wanted to walk. And I believe that’s what a soul wants actually. That’s why there’s easily a connection with the majority of people who come across the song and there would always be that connection, which makes us call it evergreen. Same way with all my songs, I am always being human, just pouring out myself, pure and simple.
It’s been about two decades since you entered into the limelight. How have you been able to stay relevant over these years?
Being human, pure and simple and as I’ve mentioned before, pouring my soul into my songs. Showing my vulnerability to my world, using my failures and my victories, revealing my scars from my mistakes, telling my story that I can and choose to tell per time, as true as possible, baring the state of my heart. Everyone can identify, because we all have these experiences. Maybe not be the same way, but technically, the same thing. Staying relevant borders on this, because the society we’re reaching out to and selling our works to is made up of human beings like us; all of us are souls wanting the same things – hope, happiness, joy. As people in this my kind of business, the way to go is just to be pure and simple. Of course, always staying in the place where one’s spirit is regenerated, staying awake and conscious; and being connected to the source of all.
You’ve had collaborations with other artists like Cobhams Asuquo, Tope Alabi, Adekunle Gold. Which of these collaborations do you consider your favourite?
In the real sense of the word, I had collaboration only with Adekunle Gold. Cobhams only produced songs in my fourth album, Ìm’oore. Tope Alabi and I performed together on stages at a couple of events we met at, we didn’t have collaborations per se. Every appearance and experience I have in using my gift is special to me. I take every one of the experiences seriously because I know I am only being used as a tool for other souls to wake up, connect and develop.
Ace singer, Sola Allyson, speaks with EMMANUEL OJO about her gift and career
You started your career early at the age of 13 as a background vocalist. What difference did starting early make for your career?
The early start gave me experience, expertise, insight, being steady and focused, having worked with different artistes in different genres and segments of the music industry, being sure of what I wanted to do and following it through. Knowing I can be whatever I want to be and make impact.
How did you transit from being a background vocalist to being an established artist and band leader?
It is growth. When a path is destined for you and you take it seriously, you will always evolve into the original divine idea behind it; help will always come your way so that you can get bigger, as long as you play your part. I didn’t always know it was destiny; I just did everything my hands found to do really well. So, when it began to open up to me that it’s destiny, the transition and evolution were seamless. That’s why we should be serious and do things well, because we don’t know if it’s destiny calling us into its fulfillment.
What were some of the important lessons you picked up during your days as a back-up singer?
I may not be able to put those lessons into words here. But basically, I saw them (singers), I took in a lot, and it helped me to select or choose what I wanted to be and how to be it.
How old were you when you decided to stand on your own?
I was in my early teens.
What sparked your interest in music in the first place?
Music is not an interest for me; it’s been life from the beginning. The spark for music has always been within me, in my soul. It was lighted by the experiences I’ve had with the people I met on my journey. Music chose me, I didn’t choose music.
Did you face any pressure from your parents not to study music?
I didn’t have that parental pressure experience per se because I didn’t have parents who had much influence on me. I had been left to myself to decide life since really early. So, as of the time I made the decision to study music in school, the choice was entirely mine. I only informed my parents. But my dad, if he had his way, wouldn’t have allowed me and he, indeed, opposed it. But I had begun already. You know, most parents of my generation saw artistes as beggars and people of low virtue, so, looking back now, I do not blame him.
Having studied music, do you feel it gave you an edge over other artists who did not study music?
Having studied music, it gave me the basic knowledge about how to use my gift. Well, it can distinguish me in the sense that I have basic training and skills a singer and songwriter should have because talent is not ever enough. I have the rudimental knowledge of music, but not really an edge over anyone. My only competition is myself. No one needs to have an edge over any other.
What difference did studying music in school made in your career?
As I said before, talent is never enough. The basic skills I learnt having studied music can never be taken away from me and it shows in how I use my voice and in my general delivery. My studying music in school is like a beautiful, untainted ornament on my gift.
Have you at any point in time felt ‘cheated’ when you see other musicians who did not study music but are doing very well in the industry?
Never. It actually depends on the state of the spirit within. If you are sure that everyone walks their journey differently and we all have stops and bends to navigate per time or season, feeling cheated won’t be a thing. And then, I am doing well, with all sense of modesty, therefore, no need to go that route. And I always want to do better. We only need to see what areas to put more effort in and get better. I learn from others a lot, young and old. Feeling cheated would only rob one of important lessons to learn.
What informed the choice of the genre you do?
I didn’t particularly choose it. I express myself as my soul opens up. It is the human system and the existing order which put it under a genre. And I don’t even agree with the genre I have been identified with. But then, it doesn’t matter. Souls are being blessed, lives are being helped, I’m letting my light shine through the light of God, purpose is being fulfilled. That’s the most important thing.
What inspired the track, Eji Owuro, that shot you into the limelight?
Eji Òwúrọ̀ was the soundtrack of Bimbo Osin’s film of the same title, which I was contracted to do. To do the soundtrack, I needed to see the preview copy and read the script of the film. And then, I had yearnings within me at that time of the kind of love I wanted. I only poured myself into that song, pure and simple. Eji Òwúrọ̀ was the cry of my heart about the kind of love journey I wanted to walk. And I believe that’s what a soul wants actually. That’s why there’s easily a connection with the majority of people who come across the song and there would always be that connection, which makes us call it evergreen. Same way with all my songs, I am always being human, just pouring out myself, pure and simple.
It’s been about two decades since you entered into the limelight. How have you been able to stay relevant over these years?
Being human, pure and simple and as I’ve mentioned before, pouring my soul into my songs. Showing my vulnerability to my world, using my failures and my victories, revealing my scars from my mistakes, telling my story that I can and choose to tell per time, as true as possible, baring the state of my heart. Everyone can identify, because we all have these experiences. Maybe not be the same way, but technically, the same thing. Staying relevant borders on this, because the society we’re reaching out to and selling our works to is made up of human beings like us; all of us are souls wanting the same things – hope, happiness, joy. As people in this my kind of business, the way to go is just to be pure and simple. Of course, always staying in the place where one’s spirit is regenerated, staying awake and conscious; and being connected to the source of all.
You’ve had collaborations with other artists like Cobhams Asuquo, Tope Alabi, Adekunle Gold. Which of these collaborations do you consider your favourite?
In the real sense of the word, I had collaboration only with Adekunle Gold. Cobhams only produced songs in my fourth album, Ìm’oore. Tope Alabi and I performed together on stages at a couple of events we met at, we didn’t have collaborations per se. Every appearance and experience I have in using my gift is special to me. I take every one of the experiences seriously because I know I am only being used as a tool for other souls to wake up, connect and develop.
A lot of your lyrics bother on poetry. Was this something you learnt in school?
My writings, in pieces of songs and articles that I put out, are inspired by the spirit within me which works for renewal and regeneration, the life I live, the experiences I’ve gathered, as I’m still growing and leaning more and the yearnings of my soul.
Do you write songs for other artists?
No.
How have you been able to manage your musical career with family life?
I have been able to manage my musical career with my family life because I see that as not “something” to be managed but as life to be lived and lived well. Who I am, the work I do and the family I am building are all life to me and they must be done well. Everyone and everything has challenges and what makes us successful in any area of life is to face these things and do whatever we need to do based on the right values and do them well.
My writings, in pieces of songs and articles that I put out, are inspired by the spirit within me which works for renewal and regeneration, the life I live, the experiences I’ve gathered, as I’m still growing and leaning more and the yearnings of my soul.
Do you write songs for other artists?
No.
How have you been able to manage your musical career with family life?
I have been able to manage my musical career with my family life because I see that as not “something” to be managed but as life to be lived and lived well. Who I am, the work I do and the family I am building are all life to me and they must be done well. Everyone and everything has challenges and what makes us successful in any area of life is to face these things and do whatever we need to do based on the right values and do them well.
