“Ara Kenge” Bola Abimbola, born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, with a childhood full of singing and drumming in the traditions of Yoruba and West African culture, debuted professionally as a songwriter and producer for some of Nigeria’s most successful young artists, including Daddy Showkey, Saheed Osupa and Pasuma. In 1997, he released his first recording as a solo act, titled, “Buyanga”, which earned him the honor of being named “Artist of the Year“” at Nigeria’s Fame Awards in 1998. His talents then caught the attention of King Sunny Ade, who invited Bola to tour with him as a guest artist and backing vocalist. Bola appeared with Sunny on his 1999 world tour and at several WOMAD (World of Music, Arts, and Dance) festivals. King Sunny Ade’s most recent recording, “Seven Degrees North” (2000), also features Bola’s voice.
Bola has also been recording and touring with other Grammy-winning Nigerian percussionist Sikiru Adepoju (Babtunde Olatunji, Mickey Hart) and master conguero Giovanni Hidalgo (Tito Puente, Paul Simon, Eddie Palmieri).
Known for his versatility, equally comfortable with traditional Nigerian genres of Fuji, Juju, and Apala; contemporary African popular music, like Afro beat and Highlife; plus American Pop and R&B. He has even made successful forays into Reggae, Soca, Soukous, and Electronica.
Currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, he performs regularly throughout the United States. “Ara Kenge”, his first U.S. solo release on Fast Horse Recordings draws from the best of Bola’s traditional music experience, and merges it with contemporary styles and recording techniques. It features a cast of diverse, talented and noteworthy musicians, including King Sunny Ade. “Ara Kenge” offers; rich vocal harmonies, traditional Yoruba percussion, Afro beat groove, and a touch of pop song structure and production.
