Inspiration makes the difference in my songs – Princess Abiola Balogun

One desire of General Prince Adekunle, Shina Peters’ mentor, is for at least, one of his children to follow his musical footsteps. As a king scrutinizes every pregnancy of his wife in expectation of an heir, the Prince, over the years, had monitored his children closely, trying to spot the one who carries his musical DNA.

Princess Abiola

One day, he was to shout, “Eureka!” (I’ve found it!). What the music General was searching for, he found in her daughter, Princess Abiola Adekunle Balogun!

Her voice was electrifying. Her sense of rhythm was beyond what mere training could impart, showing it was an inherited trait. Singing in the choir had re-enforced those musical talents. By the time her father said to her, “go and record some songs,” Princess Abiola Adekunle Balogun said she had no song to record.

However, propelled by destiny, the Princess began to experiment with composition. But she was to earn the trademark of all stars: initial rejection. Her choir rejected the songs she composed. “But I never allowed the rejections to discourage me,” she said. “Rather, I became more dedicated to my work in the choir and focused on Jesus until I started receiving songs from Him.”

The outcome for both the Prince and the Princess was a dream-come-true when in June 2015, Princess Abiola Balogun released the album titled Ore Oluwa Po, a five-tracker parading numbers like High Praise, Igbe Aye laisi Jesu, I need Your Help, Will You Make Heaven?, plus the title track, Ore Oluwa Po lori Mi (His goodness is immeasurable).

The album was produced at Glory Music Studios by the Obafemi Awolowo University-trained ace gospel music producer, Pastor Kenny Fasipe. Before Ore Oluwa Po, Princess Abiola had released two other works, Mighty God (2005) and Worthy to be Praised (2007).

Princess Abiola Adekunle Balogun was born in Lagos. She attended Oluwalogbon Primary School and Orishigun High School, Ketu, Lagos, where she served as school prefect. She later went to the Word Bible Theological Seminary for her diploma in theology.

Asked what makes her music outstanding on the present day music scene which is flooded with musicians and their songs, Princess Abiola answered, “Inspiration,” referring to her source of inspiration – Jesus, who gave her the anointing to make good music, since anointing, they say, makes the difference.

The core of her message is that Jesus is the King of all kings, and that life without Him is vanity. “I would like to tell people never to give up on their dreams because quitters never win. Work towards your goal to achieve your purpose in life. Be kind, loving and caring to others, most especially the less privileged. And finally, put God first in all things,” she said.