Sola Allyson-Obaniyi, popularly known as Shola AllysonorSola Allyson(born on 24 September 1971[1]), is a Nigerian soul, folk, and gospel singer and songwriter. She came into limelight with the hit album Eji Owuro (2003),[2] 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.[3] Apart from being a singer, she is also a voice coach, counsellor and a consultant.[4] She also makes music covers for Nigerian movies.
Sola Allyson Obaniyi 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.[5]
Sola Allyson Obaniyi started her career as a back-up singer in the late 1980s, when she was only thirteen.[5][6] 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.[4][6]
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.[5][6][7]
