Shola Allyson
Sola Allyson-Obaniyi, popularly known as Shola Allyson or Sola Allyson, is a Nigerian soul, folk and gospel singer and song-writer. She came into limelight with the hit album Eji Owuro (2003), which was the soundtrack album for a film of the same title. After Eji Owuro, she released other albums like Gbeje F'ori, Ire and Im'oore amongst others. Her popular songs include: "Eji Owuro", "Obinrin Ni Mi", "Aseye", "Isinmi", amongst others.[1] Apart from being a singer, she is also a voice coach, counsellor and a consultant.[2] She also makes music covers for Nigerian movies.
Olusola Allyson-Obaniyi | |
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Birth name | Olusola Allyson |
Born | Ikorodu, Lagos State |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2003–present |
Labels | The Sola Allyson Limited |
Associated acts | Cobhams Asuquo, Adekunle Gold |
Website | solaallyson.com |
Early life and education
Allyson was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State in the early 1970s. She had her primary education at Anglican Primary School, Ikorodu, after which she attended Shams-el-deen Grammar School, Ikorodu for her secondary education. She subsequently attended Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, where she studied Business Studies and obtained an NBTE Certificate.[3]
In 1997, she gained admission into The Polytechnic, Ibadan to study Music Technology, majoring in Voice and minoring in Music. She acquired a Higher National Diploma (HND) degree with a Upper Credit.[3][4]
Career
Allyson started her career as a back-up singer in the late 1980s, when she was only thirteen.[3][4] She later became a professional back-up singer and worked with musicians such as: Yinka Ayefele, Gbenga Adeboye, Pasuma, Obesere and Daddy Showkey. The opportunity to make her first album Eji Owuro, came when she met a man with a movie script in a public bus. The man initiated a conversation with Allyson, telling her about a film shoot he just concluded, titled "Orekelewa". Allyson was eventually called to sing a soundtrack for the film, which led to the change in the title of the film to "Eji Owuro". When Eji Owuro the film, was released, the studio decided to make a full music album for the film. The album, upon release, became a huge success commercially and critically, launching Allyson into the music industry.[2][4]
Personal life
Allyson got married in March 2003. She met her husband, Toyin Obaniyi in the church choir. Together, they have 3 children: Ayobami, Mopelola and Obafunmiwo.[3][4][5]
Discography
Albums
- Eji Owuro (2003)
- Gbe Je F'ori (2005)
- Ire (2007)
- Im'oore (2009)
- Adun (2012)
- Ope (2015)
- Imuse (2018)
- Iri (2019)
References
- Akinnagbe, Akintomide (30 December 2011). "GALAXY MUSIC BOSS,AHMED ENDS 3-YEAR RIFT WITH SHOLA ALLYSON". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
- Salami, Tayo (17 February 2015). "I'm privileged to enter into people's souls – Sola Allyson-Obaniyi". News Watch Times. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
- "Sola Allyson – Biography".
- "WHY I DON'T WEAR SKIMPY DRESSES –SOLA ALLYSON-OBANIYI". Nigeria Films. The Nigerian Voice. 6 August 2007. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
- "My music heals suicide-prone minds, Says SOLA ALLYSON-OBANIYI". The Nation. Osun Defender. 15 December 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2016.