Aralola Olamuyiwa

Aralola Olamuyiwa (born 23 January 1975) who is commonly known by her stage name Ara is a female singer, entertainer, talking drummer and the cultural ambassador of the Ooni of Ife.

Aralola Olamuyiwa
Birth nameAralola Olamuyiwa
Born (1975-01-23) 23 January 1975
Lagos, Nigeria
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • talking drum

She is the foremost female drummer in Africa.[1] Widely travelled, she has performed both locally and internationally to critical acclaim, sharing the stage with the legend, Stevie Wonder, in one of her rapturous performances.[2] In a career spanning four decades, Ara has lived up to her stage name.

She was born in Lagos State and hails from Ondo State.[1][3][4][5]

Education

She spent a good part of her childhood in Warri, Delta state, where she attended Nana Primary School, Our Ladies High School, Folashaye Girls Grammar School.[6] She then had a brief stay at University of Ilorin as a fresh law student but left and later returned but this time to Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Benin, Edo State, where she studied English Language.[6]

Career

She was born into a music loving family that also appreciated excellence. Her journey into musical excellence began at a tender age and had written her first song before age 10.[6]

According to her, she started playing drums at the young age of five.

She went from performing at family events and corporate events, to becoming the head drummer and represented her school in many singing and choral competitions in which she won numerous awards. She admitted her love for music was influenced by her father. She also admitted to playing drums during her days in secondary school.[6]

She came to limelight in 2000 with her first video titled ‘Which one you dey” recorded by Ebenezer studio between 1998 and 1999.[5]

She has also performed for the Queen of England, Bill Clinton, Olusegun Obasanjo, Black Mayors Caucus in America, Evander Holyfield, Wesley Snipes and Broadway executives. She recently collaborated with 2face Idibia for the remake of Ebenezer Obey's classic “Olomi”.[7]

Personal life

She married her ex-husband, Prince Nurudeen Olalekan Saliu, and has a son with him.[8]

References
  1. Oluokun, Ayorinde (28 November 2020). "Interview: My life as a female drummer – Ara". P.M. News. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  2. "Ara spoke about her life and World Female Drummers Festival". Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  3. "I have not had sex for 2 years – Female drummer Ara". TVC News Nigeria. 10 November 2017. Archived from the original on 8 April 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  4. "I first played the talking drum in Primary Four – Aralola Olamuyiwa (a.k.a Ara)". The Sun Nigeria. 23 April 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  5. "Meet Queen of Drums, Aralola Olamuyiwa". Penpushing. 10 November 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  6. "Aralola Olamuyiwa Pioneer Female Talking Drummer Turns 45". JustuMagazine. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  7. "Ara, the Goddess of Drum and her passion for culture". Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  8. "'I married my ex-husband because I was shut out of the world' - Ara". Vanguard News. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
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