“Dad!… Can you play Keys on Shola’s song please!” It wasn’t even a question; more of a statement, like…you will play keys on Shola’s song!
That’s when it really started I think. Raye (she’s famous now) was walking past when she heard me strumming through one of my songs (He Teaches Me Right) on guitar when the shout out to her dad interrupted me for a moment. I was excited to be part of the performance at the International day in Church and was in my own little world rehearsing; little did I know that this was going to be the start of a very interesting journey.
If I remember correctly, there was a slight tension, reluctance in the air but in the end, not only did I have keys playing to the song, there was the sax, bass, lead guitar and drums that joined in and for the first time I heard my song being played by a band and it felt good!
Ever since that day in 2016, I’ve been encouraged to keep going. The baby was born and needs to keep growing so everyone keeps telling me. I often wonder what was so special about that day from any other day. I’ve been interested in writing songs and singing for most of my life but never pushed myself to make something of it. So why now!? I suppose there comes a time when you just know that it’s right. It’s hard to explain it to anyone; you just know and because you know; lots of things start to make send, people around you get excited and suddenly you start to see endless opportunities if almost becomes overwhelming.
I suppose hearing and seeing people get behind something I was doing; seasoned musicians and artists wanting to be involved in something I was creating made me feel proud of myself. For once in my life I was doing something I believed in and even if others could do it better or differently, I had a place at the table and I felt and still feel I deserve to be seated.
What if Daddy’s girl didn’t give a shout out that day? I would have done my song, maybe a few of the musicians would have gotten behind it on the day. There would have been an applause and it would have been “NEXT!” It would have been an All heart and no soul moment.
What made the difference was the emotion my songs evoked when I saw 2 grown men cry. A freedom to express feelings without any inhibition. My songs, the way it was presented, the people involved sparked some thing fiery to happen and I see this all the time now. People come up to me to say “please continue to do what you are doing.” “inspirational message, really touched me to find my purpose.” Is it the songs or the words I speak? It’s the combination of these together makes Shola Alli the brand work.
On reflection, what’s been some of the highlights between that first opportunity to shine in front of a small audience and releasing my first EP album. Confidence! I knew instantly that I wanted to write and produce songs; to be an entertainer and public speaker.
How many what if’s do we have to get through in life before we realise our full purpose. What if I was born….; what if I was rich….; what if I had that opportunity….; what if!
With what I know now what would I do differently? Explore more and spend time to discover your true self because it all starts with you. The moment you find yourself is the moment you’ll stop others from pushing you around and purpose will start to make sense/ I found myself a little late but so glad I found myself at all.