When you think about Nigerian gospel music in the 70s, 80s and 90s, Mama Bola Are is a name that really stands out. Her voice, her energy, and her message have stayed strong over the years, and that’s no joke. Bola Are isn’t just some classic gospel singer; she’s a legend in Nigeria’s Christian music scene. She’s been at it for over fifty years and has dropped more than 100 albums. Think about that—more than 100 albums filled with powerful, Yoruba-inspired worship and praise music.

Humble Beginnings

Bola Are was born on October 1, 1954, to Elder and Mrs Babayomi in Erio, Ekiti State, and she comes from a family with a strong spiritual background. She grew up in a Christian home and was influenced by well-known CAC prophets like Prophet Babajide, and Prophet T.O. Obadare. She claims she started singing even before she learned to talk properly—talk about a divine calling! As a kid, music wasn’t something she thought of as a job; it was more about her ministry, a way to connect with God and touch people’s hearts. In 1973, she kicked off her musical journey by forming a band called “Bola and Her Spiritual Singers.” By 1977, she released her first album, “Baba Ku Ise,” – (Baba Well-done) which launched her into one of the longest-running gospel careers in Africa.

The Queen of Gospel Oldies

Bola Are’s music falls squarely under what we now celebrate as Gospel Oldies. This isn’t commercial church music with studio effects and fancy beats.
From “Adura Owuro” (Morning Prayer) to “Power in Praise” , her songs still minister powerfully today. 100+ Albums and Counting!

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Yes, you read that right. Mama Bola Are has released over 100 studio albums. In 2022, she dropped her 100th album titled “Eyin Ayanfe, Eku Irin Ajo” (Beloved, Congratulations on Your Journey). And rumor has it, she’s passed 110 albums today. She’s not slowing down. She recently celebrated 50 years on stage, and instead of retiring, she’s mentoring the next generation through her School of Gospel Music International, established in 1990. She also runs Okiki Jesu Records International and the Bola Are Gospel Foundation, which supports the less privileged.

Watch Her Ministration on YouTube

Ministry and Marriage

While Bola Are was soaring musically, she also embraced the role of wife and mother with grace. She was married to the late Pastor J.O. Are, a strong supporter of her calling and ministry and their union was blessed with four children. Even after her husband’s passing, Mama Bola Are continued her work with unshaken commitment, showing incredible strength and devotion not just to her music but to the calling of God in her life. It’s not every day you see someone manage a family, a global music ministry, and a training institute all while releasing album after album.

More Than Music

Beyond her iconic voice, Bola Are is a trailblazer. She served as President of the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (GOMAN) and earned a Doctorate in Music (Honoris Causa) from St. John’s University, Missouri.