20th Remembrance: Baba Ara Died Early But His Voice Lives – Wife
By Olalekan Yusuf
Widow of the late gospel music legend, Evangelist Roland Olubukola Olomola, popularly known as Baba Ara, Idowu Olomola, has said that her late husband’s voice and music continue to resonate twenty years after his death.
At a press conference in Ibadan organised to unveil the events planned by band members and fans to mark the 20th remembrance of Baba Ara, Mrs Olomola said that her husband’s legacy had continued to inspire and impact lives.
His voice is still alive, his music is still alive, and his impact is still very much alive,” she said.
Laying to rest the insinuation of drug peddling linked to the untimely death of her late hearth Rob , Mrs Olomola refuted the claim that Baba Ara died mysteriously, saying that the stunch celestial musician foresaw his death and revealed it two weeks before he passed away.
He told me that this world is vanity and that he would soon leave this sinful world. He instructed me not to be downcasted, he told me that it will be tough but, help will arise and I and the children will be fine. Baba Ara told me not to run after any family member, he told me to stay focussed and be strong.”
Mrs Olomola disclosed that the marketer of Baba Ara musical Albums stopped the payment of royalty 10 years ago hinging the cessation on the transition from cassette and disc to online channels.
She called on the government to do something about the development so as to protect the copyright of works done before the introduction of online Media technology so as to enable them get adequate first hand reward.
Baba Ara, a renowned Nigerian gospel music legend died at the age of 42, and was buried in his home at sagamu, ogun state.
His musical career recorded many albums through live ministrations and performances which till today made him a household name in the white garment church family and beyond.
Events planned for his 20th remembrance include a remembrance service at the Celestial Church of Christ Okiki Imole Parish, Sagamu, scheduled for August 31, 2024, and a posthumous musical concer and launching of the Ara Foundation at Vogue Event Center, Lagos, on September 1, 2024.
National President of the Ara Fans Club, Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi, in a remark, emphasised that Baba Ara’s musical legacy continued to pave the way for many gospel musicians of his genre, calling on all Christians and lovers of his music to turn up for the remembrance programme.
Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Baba Ara, a true icon in Nigerian gospel music,” he said.
The oldest band member of the deceased, Mr. Hassan Bankole, who shared his memories of working Baba Ara said the late Olomola was instrumental to his tour of international countries.
Baba Ara was more than a band leader; he was a mentor and a guide. His dedication to his craft and his faith was unparalleled.”
Meanwhile, the deceased immediate brother, Olatunde Olomola, who hinted on his decision to resuscitate his late brother’s band, promised not to deviate from the legacy left by his elder brother.
“Baba Ara’s music was not just entertainment; it’s a ministry. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
