Welcome to Chilliechewer! As we kickstart the year, we begin our Women's Series with an incredible woman who has taken the talking drum all over the world, entertaining and sharing her Yoruba culture and heritage one drumbeat at a time.
**Aralola:** My inspiration came from listening to my father's music collection as a young girl. I absolutely loved them all, from Michael Jackson to the elegant and beautiful Diana Ross, the energetic male singer of the group Boney M, James Brown, Abba, Bob Marley, Don Williams, Mariam Makeba, Osibisa, Brenda Fassie, Angelique Kidjo, Janet Jackson, Sony Okosun, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Onyeka Onwenu, Queen Salawa Abeni, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey Commander, Dr. Orlando Owo, IK Dairo, Comfort Omoge, etc.
Michael Jackson was my greatest inspiration. I was always the best dancer at every kid's party I attended. Then I picked up traditional drums in school right from my primary school days. I knew I wanted to be an entertainer, drum, dance, and sing!
**Chilliechewer:**
How do you approach the songwriting process? Are there specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music? How many music instruments do you play?
**Aralola:**
**Chilliechewer:**
What do you consider to be the turning point in your musical career? Can you share a memorable or defining moment in your journey so far?
**Aralola:**
We turned our attention to West Africa and connected with Aralola, the Talking Drum Queen. We asked her a few questions about her journey in music, let's dig in.
**Chilliechewer:**
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music? Can you share a bit about your musical upbringing and early experiences?
**Aralola:** My inspiration came from listening to my father's music collection as a young girl. I absolutely loved them all, from Michael Jackson to the elegant and beautiful Diana Ross, the energetic male singer of the group Boney M, James Brown, Abba, Bob Marley, Don Williams, Mariam Makeba, Osibisa, Brenda Fassie, Angelique Kidjo, Janet Jackson, Sony Okosun, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Onyeka Onwenu, Queen Salawa Abeni, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey Commander, Dr. Orlando Owo, IK Dairo, Comfort Omoge, etc.
Michael Jackson was my greatest inspiration. I was always the best dancer at every kid's party I attended. Then I picked up traditional drums in school right from my primary school days. I knew I wanted to be an entertainer, drum, dance, and sing!
**Chilliechewer:**
How do you approach the songwriting process? Are there specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music? How many music instruments do you play?
**Aralola:**
I love to convey messages of love, healing, hope, integrity, preservation of culture/cultural heritage, positivity, and my personal experiences also influence my songs.
I only play percussions, 7 different types, and I am learning more.
**Chilliechewer:**
Who are your musical influences, and how have they shaped your style? Are there any specific artists or genres that inspire your work?
**Aralola:**
**Chilliechewer:**
Who are your musical influences, and how have they shaped your style? Are there any specific artists or genres that inspire your work?
**Aralola:**
I mentioned them in my answer to question one, but my greatest influence remains Michael Jackson. Brenda Fassie influenced my stage performance. Diana Ross influenced my elegance, and artists like Angelique Kidjo, JLO, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and Shakira have influenced me at different stages.
**Chilliechewer:**
What do you consider to be the turning point in your musical career? Can you share a memorable or defining moment in your journey so far?
**Aralola:**
My career highlights, in no particular order, include performing with Stevie Wonder and recording on a track for his "A Time to Love" album, receiving a Key to the City of Miami for being the pioneer female talking drummer on the world stage, and performing before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England. Meeting Wesley Snipes and having him dance on my stage was magical, and collaborations with artists like Wyclef Jean and 2Baba have been significant.
**Chilliechewer:**
How do collaborations with other artists impact your creative process? Is there a particular collaboration that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
**Aralola:**
**Chilliechewer:**
How do collaborations with other artists impact your creative process? Is there a particular collaboration that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
**Aralola:**
Collaborations have greatly impacted my career. Working with Stevie Wonder was a major one, as well as performing with Wyclef Jean and having Wesley Snipes on my stage. These collaborations opened doors for me, and each one, including my recent collaboration with Portable Omo Olalomi Ika of Africa RORO, holds special meaning.
**Chilliechewer:**
What challenges have you faced in your music career, and how did you overcome them? How do you perceive your growth as an artist over the years?
**Aralola:**
**Chilliechewer:**
What challenges have you faced in your music career, and how did you overcome them? How do you perceive your growth as an artist over the years?
**Aralola:**
Acceptance was a major challenge as a female entering a male-dominated field of talking drummers. Overcoming it required courage and respect for tradition. My growth has been steady, and I keep reinventing and improving on myself. I'm adventurous, experimenting, and exploring new paths in my musical journey.
**Chilliechewer:**
Do you have a favorite album or project that you've worked on? Why? Are there specific songs that hold special meaning for you?
**Aralola:**
**Chilliechewer:**
Do you have a favorite album or project that you've worked on? Why? Are there specific songs that hold special meaning for you?
**Aralola:**
My favorite project was in 2004 when I worked with Stevie Wonder in Los Angeles. I played the talking drums on his "A Time to Love" album, specifically on the track "IF YOUR LOVE CANNOT BE MOVED" featuring Kim Burrell. It was a tremendous honor spending time with Stevie Wonder, and that project marked a turning point in my career. Many songs hold special meaning for me.
If your love cannot be moved
**Chilliechewer:**
How do you view the current state of the music industry, and what changes have you observed? Any advice for aspiring musicians navigating the industry?
**Aralola:**
If your love cannot be moved
**Chilliechewer:**
How do you view the current state of the music industry, and what changes have you observed? Any advice for aspiring musicians navigating the industry?
**Aralola:**
The music industry has evolved, with Nigeria at the forefront. Collaboration trends are positive, but I'd like to see more authenticity in lyrics and videos, tapping into our culture. Aspiring musicians should understand the industry, have a good lawyer, and realize that talent alone is not enough—attitude determines altitude. Avoid drugs; passion and talent are sufficient.
**Chilliechewer:**
Can you share any upcoming projects or ventures you're excited about? Where do you see your musical journey taking you in the next few years?
**Aralola:**
**Chilliechewer:**
Can you share any upcoming projects or ventures you're excited about? Where do you see your musical journey taking you in the next few years?
**Aralola:**
I rarely discuss future plans, but you haven't seen anything yet! With God's grace, I look forward to exciting projects and continued growth.
**Chilliechewer:**
How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in your artistic journey? Are there any fan interactions that have left a lasting impression on you?
**Aralola:**
**Chilliechewer:**
How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in your artistic journey? Are there any fan interactions that have left a lasting impression on you?
**Aralola:**
Fans often express surprise at my calm demeanor offstage. Interactions where spouses declare their partner's admiration or when parents bring children to meet me are heartwarming. The support from my fans is a constant blessing, and I'm grateful for the positive impact on their lives.
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