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ARA KENGE features Bola’s multi-layered vocals masterfully blended with traditional West African rhythms like Fuji, Juju, Apala and High Life. The true beauty and uniqueness of ARA KENGE, though, lies in Bola’s ability to incorporate a multitude of contemporary musical influences --- from Afro Pop and Afro Soul, to Motown inspired Rhythm and Blues, contemporary R&B, and even Hip Hop style vocalizations. Bola sings in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin, and he will captivate you with his soulful voice... each song is a musical journey of its own. Bola Abimbola was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria; the same city of thirteen million that gave us celebrated African musical pioneers Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade. With a childhood full of singing and drumming in the traditions of Yoruba and West African culture, a career in music came naturally to him. He debuted professionally as a songwriter and producer for some of Nigeria’s most successful young artists, including Saheed Osupa, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Rasheed Ayinde and Shina Akani, among others. “Silifa Bamijo†(1989), Bola’s debut solo release, features a duet with Linda Ronstadt and the hit title track. Bola’s next album “Buyanga†earned him the honors of both “Artist of the Year†and “Best Music Video†at Nigeria’s Fame Awards in 1998. His talents also 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 1998 world tour and at several WOMAD festivals. King Sunny Ade’s recording, “Seven Degrees North†(2000) also features Bola’s voice. His fans affectionately refer to him as “Mr. Multyâ€, in honor of his natural ability to unify diverse musical genres and styles into his music. Bola’s many talents shine throughout this album, as he took on the roles of composer, arranger, vocalist, backing vocalist and percussionist. Most recently, he has been performing all over the United States with his own band, as a solo artist, and with the Bay Area’s “Afrika Heartbeatâ€. Check out the artist's website: http://www.fujupop.com Track List: 1. Ise Aje 2. ABD 3. Olowo 4. Ayaba 5. Ajo 6. Friends 7. Ara Kenge 8. Adura 9. Ojo Ngori Ojo 10. Orin 11. More Than What You See Other Genres:
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