British Nigerian Singer-songwriter and producer, Ola Onabulé's collective music is not only Soulful incorporating Jazz and African influences but profound and meaningful.  Filled with heartfelt symphonic masterpieces!  

 

Interview by Gina Sedman  

 
I cannot emphasize enough the remarkable qualities possessed by this humble and exceptionally talented individual. He truly embodies class and sophistication. From his instantly recognizable voice to the profound lyrics and captivating performances, this British Nigerian Soul Jazz singer-songwriter effortlessly stands out amongst his peers. My introduction to Ola's incredible talent came through one of my all-time favorite songs, Soul Town.  

I was so enamored with this track that I played it incessantly. From that very first listen, I was consumed with curiosity about the singer behind such a powerful and unique voice. Little did I know that years later, I would be blessed with the opportunity to interview him and delve into his musical journey and the paths he traversed to reach where he is today.  

 
Interviewing Mr. Onabulé was an absolute delight. He exudes class, kindness, humility, and impeccable manners. Not only do I adore his music even more now, but I also find his character to be truly deserving of accolades. These two elements combine to make him an exceptional artist.  

 
Ola is a jazz artist with a soulful voice who has released Nine albums on his own label, Rugged Ram Records. His voice has been described as gentle, wistful, haunting, and empathetic. He has performed at renowned festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, San Sebastian, Umbria, Istanbul, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.   

Ola has collaborated with the Grammy Award-winning Big Bands from Cologne (The WDR Big Band), Stuttgart (The SWR Big Band) and Frankfurt (The HR Big Band), Denmark (Danish Radio Big Band) Big Band Jazz De Mexico (Mexico) Zurich Jazz Orchestra (Switzerland), UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra (Finland), Oulu All Star Big Band (Finland) The Sicilian Jazz Orchestra (Sicily),, Gotland Big Band (Sweden), Bohuslan Big Band (Sweden) Latvian Radio Big Band (Latvia), DIOC Big Band (Norway). New Wind Jazz Orchestra (Estonia) and his experience extends to symphony orchestras such as the Orquesta Liepāja Symphony (Latvia), The Symphonic Orchestra of San Luis Potosi, (Mexico), Västerås Sinfonietta (Sweden), Orchestra della Magna Grecia (Italy) performing his beautifully composed songs.  

 
Hi Ola, how are you? I'm very well and good, thanks.  

 
Ola, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me and our readers about your remarkable career. It's an absolute pleasure and thank you for this opportunity. The true honor lies in being asked, you know? It's such a peculiar way to earn a living, and to be asked to share what you do is a genuine privilege. So, thank you!  

 
I just wanted to let you know, Ola, that I have been a fan of your music for many years. Fun fact - back when I was a gigging musician in Rancho Mirage, California, I used to play your music during my breaks, and it would always get a great response. It would blast through the Omni resorts, and every time people walked past, they would stop and listen. Your voice is absolutely amazing, and it is an honor to interview you today. Oh, that's incredibly humbling. Wow! Thank you! That's a lovely thing to say, and we greatly appreciate it.  

 
It is my pleasure. Now, Ola, you were born in the UK, but then you relocated to Nigeria with your family before eventually returning to the UK to pursue a law degree. Amidst all these experiences, you discovered that your true passion lies in singing. Could you kindly share some insights into how this realization unfolded for you? My parents always encouraged me to have a diverse taste in music. They would play all sorts of jazz, from the intense bebop jazz to the smooth crooning jazz like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Dean Martin. And amidst all that, I also listened to a lot of West African music, including “Sunny Ade” and traditional tunes.  

 
That's the kind of music that was always playing in our house. But here's the twist: I come from a family of lawyers, and as the first-born son, I was expected to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in law. And honestly, I thought that was where I was headed, too. But during my final year of law school, I had a realization. If I took that final step, I would commit myself to a lifetime of being a lawyer.  

 
But then, something unexpected happened. I was walking down a street in the West End when a guy sidled up to me. At first, I was skeptical, wondering who this dodgy character was and what he wanted. I had been humming to myself, and he complimented my singing. I quickly dismissed it, telling him I was a law student, not a singer. But he insisted, saying that I had the voice of a singer. And the way he said it struck a chord with me.  

 
He then proposed something intriguing. He told me he was working in a jazz bar down the road and invited me to sit in with the band and see what happens. I figured, why not? I had the evening to myself, so I decided to give it a shot. So, I went and sat in with the band, and to my surprise, they were the crème de la crème of British jazz musicians at the time. They welcomed me with open arms and showered me with compliments. The audience responded warmly, leaving me with no doubt that I should take this seriously. 
And you know what? A few weeks later, I made a life-changing decision. I chose to pursue my passion for singing and music. I checked out of law school. It was a leap of faith, but looking back, I have no regrets.  

 
It's fascinating how families often have specific expectations for their children from an early age. Even parents who may not be on the right path themselves still hope for their children to surpass their own achievements. What was their reaction when you decided to deviate from their expectations by leaving law school in your last year to pursue a music career? Well, my folks are traditional Nigerian parents. So, many preordained responsibilities were waiting for me and placed on my shoulders. For my mum, hearing that news, there was nothing funny about it.  

 
Because my mum is one of five sisters, whenever something as seismic as that happened in the family, they would all gather together and become one big force that would surround you and make you feel the impact and the weight of your terrible decision. And all of that happened.  

 
I called my mother on Friday evening after returning to my University in the UK and informed her that I had left school. And she said, “what? What do you mean? What are you talking about? What are you on?” (Laughs)  

 
I said I am not at law school anymore; I've left. She said what are you doing if you're not at law school? I said I'm going to become a musician. And all I heard was click. (Laughs)  

 
Ola! That is hilarious! I can see all of this playing out! How funny! What happened next? I woke up the next morning to the sound of knocking. I call it knocking, but it was really beating down the door of my dorm room at the University.  

 
I would have been afraid to open the door. Thats hilarious! Yes, so I opened the door, and there was my mum. Things got very dramatic. (laughs) Later that day, other aunties showed up, which went down badly. My much quieter dad tended to get his point across by looking at you and shaking his head, saying, I'm so disappointed. But eventually, they came around. It took a long time for my mum, but my dad came around within a relatively short time.  

 
My dad kept asking me, are you sure about this? Is this really what you want to do? And I kept asserting that yes, this is what I want to do because I feel it in my soul. And then it was a done thing. It was who I was. About six months later, I turned up home, and my dad introduced me to a friend of his whom I had never met. He said, "This is my son, the soul singer."  

 
Wow. So, he accepted it. Yeah, that meant that he accepted my choice.  

 
Now, Ola, in that season, did you ever feel the pressure to make your musical goals work because of the potential backlash from your family? And if you felt that pressure, was that the driving mechanism in facilitating your success? That's an exceptionally good question. I've never been asked that before, but I suspect you're looking at the problem from the inside out because you're a singer. You're absolutely bang on because the first part of my career was spent trying to realize someone else's ambition.  

 
Because I knew what my family had envisioned as success for me as a lawyer, when I decided to pursue a music career, I tried to reach a similar level of achievement to present to them. I wanted to meet all their expectations of me. Initially, I created songs that were fashioned to appeal to their understanding and were less exploratory and more imitative of classic songs that we shared and talked about. I did this to fit in with something they could understand.  

 
It wasn't until my second or third album that I started questioning myself. I began to wonder when I would stop trying to fulfill the impossible ambitions, hopes, and dreams of others and start expressing my own personality, individuality, and art.  

 
Yeah. So, yeah, great question. I hadn't thought about it in that way until you asked.  

 
Certainly, I firmly believe that every aspect of life, regardless of the path one chooses, has its own set of challenges and triumphs. It is crucial to understand that no matter what the profession or career, there will always be highs and lows that one must navigate through. Even in the pursuit of a career in music, there will be obstacles to overcome, just like any other field.  

Many individuals fail to recognize this fact. In my opinion, the key to success lies in the unwavering determination to never give up on your dreams and passions, regardless of the obstacles that come your way. It is essential to persevere through the ups and downs, as that is what truly matters. Even though I've been in this industry for three decades and have achieved a lot, there are still people who say, 'If you've been singing for that long, then why have I never heard of you? And things like," If I've never heard of you, you can't be that good." After hearing such comments, I remind myself that I am grateful to be doing it for myself now.  

 
That's right, absolutely! And that's enough that I get to do what I love doing without worrying about meeting anyone's expectations. I've come to understand the harm in valuing myself based on someone else's judgment because that would be an indicator of how successful I thought I was. 
Whenever I encounter young musicians who are trying to understand the purpose of this music thing, the first thing I tell them is that it's all about giving.  

 
Absolutely. You're crafting something unique and special. And in that moment of creation, it's solely for you, and that's perfectly fine. Do it because it nourishes your soul. And then, the true essence and philosophy of art lies in taking this precious creation that means the world to you and wholeheartedly sharing it with others without any desire to keep any of it for yourself. And that should be the only reward you expect from it – the satisfaction of giving it away.  

 
That is truly remarkable. Believe it or not, I have encountered individuals in Palm Springs who have never even heard of Michael Jackson. However, this lack of awareness does not diminish the significance of his popularity. It's similar to someone saying they have never heard of orange juice, despite its widespread consumption. Just because someone hasn't been exposed to something doesn't mean it isn't widely loved and appreciated. So, as you mentioned, it's truly about fulfilling oneself. I must say, your voice is absolutely incredible. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I read that you were signed with Electra Warner Brothers at one point. How did that opportunity come about?  

Often, when we hear interviews, people talk about performing for their family members and cousins as children. But then, there's a moment where they transition from not knowing what to do to pursuing their dreams. So, from the point where you decided to break away and be true to yourself, what was your plan of action? How did you navigate your way from that point to signing with Warner and eventually becoming an independent artist? I took several steps. The first thing I did was buy a guitar because, as a musician, I was illiterate. I had no idea what chords and scales were or even how to warm up my voice. So, I got a guitar, teamed up with a few musicians, formed a band, and signed up for as many jam sessions as possible. I surrounded myself with people who could give me pointers and quickly developed a knack for it.  

 
Then the guys would be like, alright, here's what you have to do - grab yourself a four-track recorder, a Shure microphone, and start recording some tracks. And I would be like, "Recording tracks? What's that?" And they would explain it to me. So, I started making demos, showing them to these guys, and they would be like, well, your singing is a bit off-key. And I would be like, huh? What do you mean? So, these people would show me the ropes, and many started helping me. They would say, alright, I'll come over and lay down some guitar for you. Before I knew it, I had a collection of songs that constituted a demo. 

 
So, I sent this demo out, and it ended up with a guy who ran a record company called Sunnyside Records. Initially, what they did was make novelty records. There was one song they put out called "Star Trekkin' Across The Universe," where these puppets and their singing sounded a bit like "The Chipmunks."  

 
He wanted to flip the switch on the concept behind his record label, so when he heard my demo, he thought," OH, I'm going to sign my first quote unquote, proper artist. Unfortunately, he signed me to the most atrocious deal ever. It was like I take 100% of 100% of everything you will ever do. And if you breathe in tune, that's 100% minus.  

 
That's wild! Yeah. And then he created the single and put it out. Then, someone else heard that single and approached me at my gig. He said, 'I'm a manager, I manage a band called "The Pasadenas."At the time, 'The Pasadenas' were quite a big band in the UK. They were like a remake of the Temptations and were scoring lots of hits and doing really well. He told me that he reckoned he could get me a deal. However, I told him that I already had a deal with a guy down the road. I was so locked into that record deal with him that we spent forever trying to get out of it. 

Finally, he got a great lawyer who said, 'I'm in the middle of doing a deal with Electa Records, and they've got an artist on their label called Anita Baker.' I almost passed out when I heard that because I lived, breathed, and dreamt "Anita Baker." I thought she was the greatest vocalist of that era. So, it became an obsession to get signed to Electra, and it happened. It was between him, my manager, Raymond Bannerman, and my lawyer that the deal was solidified. And that's how I ended up at Electra.  

 
I was heartbroken that the deal fell through. It didn't align with my goals and vision. Despite continuously mentioning my admiration for artists like Donny Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield, and Isaac Hayes, they failed to comprehend my creative direction.  

 
At that time, I had a specific sound in my head. Ironically, the A&R representative who signed me was unaware of the people who inspired it. This was incredibly frustrating. They were pushing me to pursue a different direction - one that involved me wearing tight t-shirts and tank tops and being surrounded by voluptuous women by the pool singing about nonsense.  

 
That's a no! What in the world! Thats crazy! You have talent. That is not for you. That's funny. "Yes, that's not who I was. So anyway, the whole thing fell apart, and I became despondent. I started thinking the music business wasn't for me and wouldn't work out. Then, someone suggested that I release my music independently and see what happens. So, I recorded my first album, "More Soul Than Sense." The album was inspired by some people who told me not to drop out of my deal if I had any sense. I replied, 'Well, I don't have any sense, but I've got soul. So, let's go with that.' (Laughs)"  

 
Yes. What was the first song you put out? The first song we released was titled 'You'd Better Believe.' It received a lot of love and support from radio stations in the UK, who played it frequently. The song was a hit and made it to the top of various music charts, including soul, black music, rhythm and blues charts across Europe. This marked the beginning of my career and opened doors for me. From there, it was off and away.  

 
Yes, awesome. Your label's called Rugged Ram Records. Yes.  

 
Starting your own independent career at that time was truly remarkable and groundbreaking. Younger artists need to recognize the trailblazers who paved the way for their independence in music today. As an artist, you are one of those game changers who entered the scene from the beginning, so they can now have opportunities. When I decided to release my own music, I started planning and taking action. I had to figure out the necessary steps, such as finding a plugger, distributor, and manufacturer. I also had to figure out mixing and mastering, which are essential in the music industry.  

 
At the time, it seemed impossible for one person to handle everything. People would say that I was crazy and that it couldn't be done without the support of a major record company. However, I was determined not to experience the disappointment I felt after my deal with Electra again. So, I pushed through and made it happen." just pushed through.  

 
And though you pushed and continue to do so all the way to the top. Ola, I just wanted to take a moment to express how proud I am of you. Thank you.  

 
You are welcome. By the way, I recently watched a video of you singing and was really impressed by how long you held a note. It reminded me of the note Bill Withers held on "Lovely Day." You also hit a remarkably high note for a long time, which was quite impressive! Now, I understand you perform different genres, such as soul, jazz, funk, and sometimes rock. But among all these genres, which do you enjoy performing the most? Well, a strange thing happened to me along the way. I absolutely and passionately love soul music. But then, I had a realization - I wanted to blend my American musical influences with my West African heritage. And then, out of nowhere, someone left a Miles Davis mix tape on my desk. This happened while I was still exploring music and learning. The guys I started playing with were all jazz musicians, and they introduced me to that world. I wanted to combine these three elements and create a unique style in my own music.  

 
I have reached a point where I can choose to incorporate any number of influences into my music or just a few. However, what I've found to be the most enjoyable aspect of songwriting is telling human stories. Sometimes, different genres are better suited for conveying certain aspects of a story, and I find myself fully immersed in the creative process without worrying too much about the genre I end up in. It feels like being a kid in a paddling pool, having too much fun to care about anything else.  

 
It's quite intriguing that you brought that up, as I was actually considering asking if you have ever produced and shared any music that authentically reflects your African roots and skillfully blends it with your present creative pursuits. Yes, I do. About ten years ago, when Nigeria was going through many political upheavals, many young people were disillusioned and unsure about the country's future. So, I wrote an album of songs called "It's The Piece That Deafens," which borrowed a lot of African imagery, rhythms, and references, and I wove them into jazz.  

 
I have heard that song and seen the video, and it is spectacular! Well done! Can you tell me more about the music? "Thank you. I used a Jazz Quartet consisting of double bass, piano, drums, and guitar, with a bit of percussion, to express these songs. They were a tribute to the resilient spirit of the people from my home country."  

 
That is beautiful. I love it! You know, Ola, I have a question for you because I believe that this is something that many new and emerging artists sometimes fail to grasp. They often overlook the importance of being adequately prepared. Just like a three-year-old child would not be equipped to handle the myriad challenges of the world, or if you start a new job without proper preparation, how can you expect to fulfill the necessary tasks? Yet, there is an influx of independent artists who believe they can simply jump onto a stage, bask in the limelight, and succeed without proper preparation. So, my question to you is: What are your thoughts on this matter? How crucial is it to be thoroughly prepared before stepping into the spotlight, understanding both the industry and your own identity as an artist? Well, I understand the exuberance of youth. I get that whole mindset: "I'm young, so I don't need all the wisdom that came before me. I'm young, and I'm invincible." It's necessary when you're young. You don't have 
the experience, so you have to charge ahead in full force. Every time you hit a wall, it hurts, but you dust yourself off and think, "I can do this!" It's great, but the more walls you crash into, the slower you'll become and the more beat up you'll get. Each time you heal from those bruises, there's some scar tissue and some growth because you learn how to fall and get back up. The guys who make it 10, 20, and 30 years in the business will learn the lessons. 

  
Yes, absolutely. The individuals who will succeed in this industry are those who are open to change and willing to adapt without holding onto youthful arrogance or exuberance. Personally, I aspire to be like Tony Bennett, who was still performing at 90 years old. Although my singing range would likely be limited and probably would only have an octave of my singing range, at that age, it would be a remarkable achievement to be performing in my 90s.  

 
Yes. To have only an octave of your range and yet be able to perform at Carnegie Hall and receive a standing ovation that lasts for four minutes means that you are conveying a powerful message through your music. Of course, the message you convey now might differ from the one you would have conveyed when you were 21, starting with little experience and the certainty of youth.  

 
Absolutely. Good stuff. Can you discuss how your personal moral values align with the message in your music, Ola? That’s another great question, Gina. Thank you for that because that is the key. Earlier on, I was writing about stuff I had no business writing about. But because it was the trendy topic of the day that everyone could easily relate to, that's what I wrote about. I was using language that, in some instances, was dishonest of me to use because it wasn't my lingo or my slang. Because they were hit phrases, I thought I needed to appeal to a particular demographic. Thankfully, I have distanced myself from all of that now.  

 
Yes. Writing a song is a serious task for me, and I always approach it with great responsibility. I aim to find the absolute truth that I want to convey to my audience. I believe that everyone faces challenges in life, regardless of their appearance, social status, or background. Whether someone is considered attractive or not, rich or poor, we all have to struggle to get by. That's why I strive to tap into the human condition and reveal the truth that lies beneath the surface. By doing so, I hope to strip away all the facades that we use to get ahead and connect with people on a deeper level. 
I am constantly in search of the most fundamental human truths. Whenever I stumble upon one, I become ecstatic and dance around in my studio, knowing that this is the essential work that defines me as an artist.  

 
Yes, what you said is so beautiful. It is also so true. You must be authentic. I believe authenticity is lacking in many people today. It seems that many are happy imitating and conforming to trends. But when you truly embrace who God created you to be, with all your talents, creativity, and individuality, you will flourish and blossom. And at the end of the day, if nobody gets you just being yourself, then be happy and live in the freedom of being your authentic self. At least, that's the way I see it.  

 
Now, let's talk more about your artistry. You are consistently putting out great work, and I believe that comes from knowing who you are as an artist. I particularly enjoyed listening to your song "Soul Town," which is one of my favorites, and your new song "Better Man." It's a beautiful song that I'm already hooked on. Please tell me a bit about the musicians you've worked with on this project and the message you convey in the song. Thank you. "Better Man" is a prime example of this. It's about a man who experiences something like an out-of-body phenomenon, giving him a chance to step back and examine who he is for the woman he loves. In this reflection, he realizes he's not doing things right and needs to figure things out soon unless he wants her to leave him. He knows he has limited time to make things right for both of them. Therefore, it's a simple yet powerful concept. 

 
That's beautiful. I love it. The musicians you worked with are great. Thank you. I work with a group of talented musicians whenever I travel to Europe. The guy on keyboards who's an amazingly gifted accompanist, Nick Flade, sent me the first few chords of "Better Man," and he had some words on it, and it sounded a bit like a party song. But when he sent it, it coincided with me being locked in my head with this thought. It was something I was thinking about for reasons I'm sure you can imagine, so I just adapted the song.  

 
Yes, absolutely. Yes, so I adapted my words to the first few chords he wrote, and then I flushed it out and sent it back to him, thinking he was going to think, "No, this is not what I had in mind," but he absolutely loved it. So, we developed it from there. He gathered some friends around to play the rest of the track. The drummer's name is Thomas Kafel. Igor Kojić plays bass, and Raphael Holzhauser is on guitar. They're all talented, very German musicians.  

 
He gathered those guys together, and then we recorded it in the "Studio Master Mix," where Donna Summer recorded many of her hit songs in the 80s. Classics like "I Feel Love," "She Works Hard For The Money," and "Bad Girls." All the greatest hits of the late 80s and early 90s were recorded in that studio. It was nice to have that little bit of history associated with the song.  

 
Thank you for providing insight into the background of your latest outstanding single, Better Man. I understand it is available on various digital platforms, but have you or are you considering releasing it on vinyl? No, not yet, but we're talking about it. Nick's idea is to put out another couple more singles first, so we'll have more material to add to the A and B sides.  

 
Thank you for sharing your experience. Recently, you had some fantastic concerts in Italy where you sang with an orchestra. What does it feel like to sing with big bands and orchestras behind you? It's incredible. Although playing with a trio or quintet is enjoyable, performing with an orchestra feels like the ultimate way to express your song.  

 
It is great when a talented arranger takes your song and adds 60 other musicians to it. It makes your brain go wow! Standing in front of the stage and hearing all the instruments playing harmoniously can be quite an overwhelming experience. The sound of the violins and the synchronized movement of the musicians is awe-inspiring.  

 
The Italian performances were inspired by my last album, Point Less. It's about a tragic story that happened in America, and it's so sad that I don't like to talk about it too much, but it happened to a chap called Fernando Castill. It happened in Minnesota, and it was one of those sad events that just shouldn't happen, but it did.  

 
And I kind of saw it happen in real time because I was on social media, and his wife had filmed this thing, so I started writing the album. The reason why it ended up being an orchestral project was because all the songs on the album deal with this one story.  

 
So, we sent it to an arranger friend of ours, Tobias Becker, and he said, ‘I’d love to turn this into a musical. But musicals take around ten years to come to fruition, and we don't have ten years. So, what I'm going to do is write an orchestral score that ties all of the songs on the album into one story.' So, it's quite an emotional roller coaster, even for me. But it was a great pleasure to be able to do it.  

 
Wow, that's powerful. What I love the most about your artistic vision and expression in music is that you move with purpose and meaning. I admire that about you, Ola. Speaking of purpose and meaning, I wanted to know what Ola thinks about in his quiet space. As a creative person, sensitivity is a significant trait that I possess. I have a natural tendency to rationalize why things happen, which can be challenging at times. Unlike others, I cannot easily shrug things off. Since my childhood, I have been repeatedly told that I am too sensitive and that I should pull myself together.  

However, matters of fairness, justice, violence, kindness, and restitution are crucial to me. I contemplate why the right things are not always given to the right people and why the wronged people are not always compensated. My concerns extend to my loved ones, people in my care, and vulnerable individuals. Although people often describe my work as socially conscious, I have noticed that some people categorize it as a condition, which I find amusing. I think to myself, well, what do all the rest of you think about. (laughs)  

 
Thats hilarious! I'm the same way. We can't just write about things like shaking one's derriere or flaunting expensive jewelry. We just can't. There's enough of that stuff out there. 
Wouldn't it be great if a few of us chose to address more serious topics, like advocating against violence in homes or police brutality? To me, that's as valid as a subject as all of these women love me. (laughs) 

  
Yes, absolutely. When composing a love song, my goal is to craft a sincere and heartfelt expression of my emotions toward someone I love.  

 
Creative individuals are truly unique, as they possess a sensitivity that allows them to touch the hearts and lives of others through their work. This sensitivity is not a choice but an inherent part of who they are, woven into their very being by God. Each person has a distinct purpose in life, and their characteristics are essential for fulfilling that purpose. Just as a drill sergeant's nature is necessary for military duties, a midwife's loving kindness is crucial for bringing new life into the world. In the same way, the sensitivity of creative individuals is vital for crafting songs that can inspire healing, joy, and change in our world. Embrace your sensitivity, for it is a gift that allows you to make a difference in the lives of others.  

 
Ola, I have to say this because it beats with every thump of my heart. When it comes to discussing different topics, I have similar thoughts. My husband and I recently discussed this. I find it puzzling why music is often associated with sexuality, particularly when it comes to women. I fail to comprehend why one cannot simply sing a song and showcase one's talent without having to express one's sexuality. There are numerous subjects to explore; therefore, I agree entirely with you. I believe there should be room to include other themes in songs that reflect the various issues we face in our lives. It's important to embrace our creativity as individuals.  

 
When I was younger, I recall listening to songs that delved into life and current events, like those penned by Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. While other artists also touched on similar themes, I wish there was a more comprehensive range of music today that addresses topics with more depth and meaning rather than just materialism or sexuality. Personally, I find it tiresome. That's why I appreciate your music so much - it's rich in substance.  

 
One more thing while I'm in a talkative mood, I believe that authenticity can be felt by people, and they can discern when something is genuine. There are two distinct types of individuals in this world: the creatives and the non-creatives. It's akin to distinguishing between civilians and non-civilians. Creative people form a culture of their own because they question the reasons behind things. They ask "Why?" and seek to understand the inner workings and purpose. I want to delve into that aspect and discuss it further. When everyone is trying to steer you left, you remain observant, which is a divine gift. I don't believe it's something to apologize for; rather, it's a blessing to have individuals who delve deeply into matters. I believe it brings balance to the world, which is truly wonderful and beautiful. I agree with that 100% percent. 

 
Yes, and the beauty of it all lies in the fact that without questioning the need for electricity, we would not have it today. It took someone's sensitivity to the struggles of others, their stumbling in the dark or searching for a bathroom, to realize that there had to be a better way. It is not enough to simply float through life without acknowledging the needs of others. True artists like yourself, who are passionate about their craft, possess the ability to see beyond the surface and find solutions. They can delve deeper into situations, think outside the box, and ultimately change the world through their music. Media is a means through which everyone seeks  
their own form of expression. Whether it is via reading, watching movies, or listening to music, having the ability to touch other people's lives and inspire them to impact someone else's life positively is a true blessing. Our good Lord has so graciously gifted us with this ability, and using it is truly a gift. Well, that's such a humbling thing to say. Thank you very much.  

 
You're welcome. I know you've found your way into that because you know that's authentic to you. That's how you perceive this, and I wish you boundless amounts of all the joy that can be found in creating authentically. 
I say this because you've asked me some powerful questions that give me no doubt about the sort of person you must be, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.  

 
I am truly grateful for your kind and meaningful words. This interview has been one of the most memorable experiences for me. I thoroughly enjoy conversing with knowledgeable individuals who share meaningful insights. Thank you immensely! Your talent in music and performance is remarkable. While coming to a close, I would like to inquire about your future plans. Are you considering delving into film or television in your upcoming endeavors? I love watching movies in my free time. I'm a huge movie buff. I have a deep appreciation for films. Although I've never been approached to be in one, I imagine it would be a thrilling experience. If I ever 
found myself on a film set, I'd probably be too starstruck to focus on my work. It would be like, "Wow, I can't believe I'm actually here!" (laughs)  

 
Thats hilarious! (laughs) Yeah, but I would really appreciate being asked. However, the thing is, I have quite a few projects in progress. This year, I am working on writing an album, which has already begun. Additionally, I have just finished another album with a talented Swiss jazz guitarist. The songs we have created together are unlike anything I have ever done before; they are very unique for me. Currently, we are in the process of mixing and mastering it.  

 
Furthermore, I am arranging another set of my songs for an orchestra. These are the love songs I have written and collected over the years. They are the ones that usually appear on every album, and now they will be arranged for an orchestral performance. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to tour with these songs in various places. So yeah, I have many other small projects that I am working on with different people.  

 
Moreover, the recent orchestral tour in Italy has been recorded by a representative from a Dutch record company called "Alliud Records." They hope to release it this year, so there are plenty of beautiful and exciting possibilities for the future. Regardless of how things turn out, I'm just going to keep stepping on stages and screaming at people for a living. (Laughs)  

 
I love that! (Laughs) Awesome! Your voice is soothing and powerful. In closing, can you give our readers a few words of wisdom that they can take away and utilize to sharpen their careers? As a piece of advice to young creators, I suggest you search for the most profound, authentic, and difficult truths you know about the world. If you feel it deep down in your soul, those around you will also feel it. It is your opportunity to speak this unspoken truth and put it into song. This is the route to making an artistic impact that lasts beyond your lifetime. 

 
For instance, when I hear Stevie Wonder singing "Superstitious" or "They Won't Go When I Go" or listen to someone like Curtis Mayfield singing "Move on Up," it's clear that they have found an unyielding and unshakeable truth and set it to music. Even though Curtis Mayfield has been gone for 20 years, his songs are still being remixed and sung by kids.  

 
Therefore, I encourage you to find a powerful truth and set it to music. Remember, the road to success is not easy, but this only shows that you've discovered something worth pursuing. As the old saying goes, "Easy come, easy go." The more you strive for something, the more valuable it becomes.  

 
What an extraordinary piece of advice. Thank you so much. I hope and pray that God will continue to bless the works of your hands, be it done in accordance with His plan for your life. May the Lord protect you, your beloved wife, and your beautiful family during these difficult times in our present world, and may He grant you and those you love with good health, happiness, and serenity. May He surround you with supportive and well-intentioned individuals who will always be there to uplift and motivate you. I pray that all your travels will be safe, and that God will open countless opportunities for you on your journey. I am incredibly proud of all your accomplishments and the inspiration you bring to others. Thank you for demonstrating that with unshakable faith, anything is possible. May God continue to shower you with His abundant blessings. It has been a privilege to serve you tonight, Ola. Thank you again for your time. I just wanted to say that you are truly special, Gina. Your gentleman is the luckiest man in the world to have you. You have a lovely spirit, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet you. As an artist, all I need is community and faith, and connecting with people like you gives me just that. Faith is about believing in one another, and I believe in you. Thank you for believing in me too. I appreciate you reaching out, and I pray that all the beautiful things you prayed for me come true for you, too. May you and your gentleman live long and prosper. Thank you for inviting me to share.  

 
Thank you so much! It was my pleasure. God bless you. Bye. Take care and have a lovely evening.  

THE END

 
https://www.ola-onabule.co.uk/ 

 picture credits - Ola Onabulé with Zurich Jazz Orchestra - photographer Bernhard Maag,  front cover - photographer - Steve Read Photos, Ola Onabulé with Siciliana Jazz Orchestra -photographer - Arturo Di Vita