I see scars from my past as emblem of victory –Sola Allyson

How has your musical journey been since the release of your first album, Eji Owuro, in 2003?

Eji Owuro was a career-defining work for me. Since then, I have advanced and evolved into the Sola Allyson I am now. It has been good. The grace and mercy of God are available. It keeps getting better. Purpose keeps opening up, not limited to singing.

You often counsel young girls using experiences from your past. How would you describe the impact of such counselling on them?

Well, I believe when we counsel others by telling our stories, it has greater and deeper impact. I tell some of my story to young people for them to know that whatever they are going through is ‘common unto men’ and that they can overcome and be victorious. Life is a process and nobody becomes great overnight. I see this story-telling as purpose and it is not something I planned. It just comes. Some of these stories I am not proud of.

But then, I have come to see my scars as emblem of my victory and that the scars are there to show others who are carrying such wounds that they can heal.

Your music is gospel delivered in folk and soul style. Did you achieve the genre after experimentation or it’s a deliberate effort?

I never experimented. I have always opened my mouth to sing as I’m inspired. I have been sounding the same since my days as back-up singer, just growing and getting better at my craft. It is obvious from my distinct and clear-cut style since the days of Eji Owuro when I broke into the industry.

You were once a back-up singer for some singers including fuji artistes. Do you envisage collaborations with juju or fuji musicians in future?

I will collaborate with others whose music and message are similar to mine; whose tasks are compatible with mine, regardless of style. It is the message that is important.

Your dress sense is usually moderate devoid of short skirts or revealing your hairstyles. What informs your dressing style?

My dress sense is honour, elegance and simplicity, all of which show my love for being a woman and an African. Whether appearing for work or day-to-day life, I still uphold same dress sense. I reveal my hairstyles. It is only when I’m working that I tie gele (headgear), as that is the way I love to appear, all contemporary African.

Are you worried about what some Nigeria’s gospel musicians propagate both in songs and instrumentals these days?

Well, everyone is only showing the world who they are. And I’ve always said it, you don’t have to say you do gospel to be accepted. Music is music. Its classification is about outlook and/or perception. You can do music that has no religious influence and still be a positive influence on the society.

I think it is because of certain teachings and mind conditioning that Christians would think they must call their music ‘gospel’ before it can be acceptable. Many people come up with any style and just put some ‘churchy’ lines and ‘Jesus’ but the music and its nuances do not convey anything gospel. I am not worried. To each (man), his own. We are all on a journey. Time tells.

What would you identify as the motivation for the composition of the songs in your award-winning albums such as Eji Owuro (2003), Gbe Je F’ori (2005), Ire (2007), Im’oore (2009) Adun (2011) and Imuse (2018)?

Eji Owuro (2003), Gbéjé f’órí (2005), Ire (2007), Im’oore (2009), Adun (2011), Ope (2015), Ìmúse (2018) and Ìrì (2019). All my songs are not thoughtout. They are received by whisperings into my spirit from above which I express through my natural talent and acquired skill by training as a musicologist.

What experience do you intend to create for your kids especially the females as you often encourage them in your songs to dream big?

I can only guide my children or any young person around me. I don’t own my children. I am only an earthly caregiver assigned to them by God to guide them here. I encourage them and every young person to aspire and work towards being the best in what they do.

Can you recall your most embarrassing and memorable moments on stage?

None. Every experience, whether good or bad, contributes to our growth. I learn the lessons therein and move on. I don’t store bad in my head and don’t allow the good to make my head swell. There is always more.

What more do you aim for in your career?

To be a blessing to my world much more and be blessed the more.

How do you balance your roles as a wife, mother and singer?

I know my priorities. I set boundaries and follow them

It appears you keep a low profile even regarding your marriage. Is there any reason for this and can you tell us about your husband?

I am the one that is a public figure, not my family. Being a popular singer is just an aspect of my life. All other parts must be respected and preserved within their purview.

What legacy do you intend to leave on the nation’s gospel industry?

That you can be true to your calling and task in every way and still be always relevant.