Bola Abimbola
Ara Kenge
© 2006 Bola Abimbola (837101094016)
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Nigeria's own Mr. Multy is a master of traditional styles like Fuji, Juju, High Life, Apala and Afro Beat. Ara Kenge seamlessly blends these traditional styles with influences from Afro Soul, Hip Hop, R & B, and Afro Pop.
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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. Multy”, 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 Heartbeat”.
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Abimbola deftly incorporates modern instrumentation making an end product that i
author: Maurice EdwardsAfter a childhood spent singing and drumming in Lagos, Nigeria Bola Abimbola quickly rose to high status amongst African World music artists in the area. Now, through Fast Horse Recordings, his fusion of modern instrumentation with traditional sounds is available in America. Not a huge surprise to see his recognition grow when you consider that his music caught the ear of the revered King Sunny Ade. Right from the start the intermingling styles are apparent. The first track, "Ise Aje", calls to life the signature elements of African percussion techniques, slowly rumbling with a smooth electric bassline anchoring the song to the present. This is a reoccurring trend Abimbola has an exceptional talent for. But the album cannot be pigeonholed so easily. "Olowo" and the title track "Ara Kenge" have a crisp Caribbean flare to them, keeping the album refreshing throughout. And while mostly sung in African dialect, "Ojo Ngori Ojo" is an bright love song done in English. Ara Kenge stays fresh and full of simmering intrique from start to finish. The foundation of older African rhythms can satisfy those looking for a classic sound, but on top of this Abimbola deftly incorporates modern instrumentation making an end product that is relevent today.