about shola

a house full of music

Shola grew up in love with the sound of the 60s. Home was a creative one. Her father was a mechanical engineer, precise and practical. Her mother was a businesswoman, a model and a performing artist who acted with the BBC. Her family is from Nigeria and that heritage gave her a sense of community, identity, purpose and drive.

Born and raised in England, she grew up in the Church of England. As a teenager she went to Nigeria and her first impression was culture shock. It took years to grasp that new environment, but it shaped her. Then in her early 20s she found faith in Jesus and life took on a whole new meaning. It is why everything she did then and everything she does now, she does with intention and purpose.

why soul

Because soulful music has purpose. It tells stories. It is uplifting. It captures the heart and soul of a person, the struggles and the victories. It always gives a sense of hope. That is the music Shola makes as Madame Shola.

Shola has always been a writer, but in 2012 a group of seasoned musicians encouraged her to take her music seriously. She recorded her very first song in the studio with live artists and absolutely loved the experience.

“Composing, storytelling, performing and bringing people together. These are the things that set my soul on fire and I was not going to stop.”

That fire has served her in other areas too. She loves encouraging people to use their giftings, most importantly in the creative arts.

beyond the stage

Shola is the founder of Niksol Events. Through Niksol she brings cultural, dance and wellbeing events to corporate rooms and community halls alike. Bringing people together is the same calling, just a different stage.

the woman herself

Shola is married with two grown-up children who are a real support and the centre of everything she does. Her academic background is in finance, with a Master's in Business Administration and professional qualifications in events and project management.

She does not follow fashion or trends. She loves style, classic pieces and things with longevity. And hats. She really loves hats.

Most of all she loves people and encouraging them, particularly young people. Mental health is a passion very close to her heart.