MINISTRY HISTORY OF A WELL ACCLAIMED GOSPEL MUSIC ICON

November 28, 2023 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Evangelist Bola Are is a Nigerian Yoruba gospel singer and former President of the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria. She was born on 1 October 1954 in Erio a town in Ekiti-West local government, of Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria to the Elder Babayomi and Mrs T. A. Babayomi who hail from Erio, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

She was brought up by four major prophets in Christ Apostolic Church. who are; Apostle Ayodele Babalola, Prophet Babajide, Prophet Akande and Prophet T.O. Obadare. She spent most of her time on the mountain and receives her inspiration from Holy Spirit.

Evangelist Bola started singing from the age of two, she knew she would serve the Lord at a very young age and pursued it. Her parents told her that she started singing a few day before her first birthday, that made her considers herself a born singer.

When she was eight years old, the singer and her friends sang and danced around the community, with the new clothes her parents bought them for the Easter celebration.

However, after deciding to follow her passion for ministry, Evangelist Bola Are started a music band called Bola and Her Spiritual Singers on 26 June 1973. In August 1977, she released her first musical album Baba Ku Ise.

Bola Are got married to late Pastor J.O. Are in 1977, the same year she released her first musical album and they are blessed with children. Her children are also singers and instrumentalists.

Evangelist Bola Are also served as the president of Gospel Musicians Association Of Nigeria GOMAN for over five years. During her tenure as President, she registered the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC) and also opened a bank account for the association.

As the president, she was able to influence the governor of Ekiti State at the time, Governor Segun Oni, to donate one million naira to GOMAN.

Also, she led the foundation to establish more chapters in the north, south, and other geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The Ewi of Ado also donated several plots of lands to the association in Ado Ekiti, during Evangelist Bola’s tenure as president.

As at 2014, Evangelist Bola had released over 70 tracks;

Bola Are Tracks from 1965 to 2000

Divine Praise of the King Of Kings – 1965
Ajaga Babiloni Wooo – 1967
Anointed Praise 2 – 1970
Bola Are Live – 1971
Agbara Esu Ko Da Nibiti Jesu Gbe Njoba – 1971
Homage 1 – 1974
Halleluyah Jesus Lives – 1974
Adura Owuro – 1977
Baba Kuse – 1977
Anointed Praise 1 – 1979
Jesus Is Coming Back, Be Ready! – 1981
Bibo Jesu Leekeji – 1988
Gbongbo Idile Jesse – 1991
Homage 2 (Tribute To Apostle T.O Obadare) – 1995
Lion Of Judah – 1995
Oore Ofe – 1998
Power In Praise – 2000
Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola – 2000

Tracks From 2002 to 2009

Oriki Olodumare – 2002
Baba Abiye Relu Ogo – 2002
Elese Ronupiwada (Idajo Ma Fere De) – 2003
Taloofijo – 2004
Eleese Ronu Piwada Pt. 2 – 2005
Sugbon Kan Nbe Laye Mi – 2006
Ema Gbadura – 2006
Oba Mimo Gbaso Iya Lara Mi – 2006
Jesu Jinde/Oluwa Semi Lo – 2007
Nje O Mo Wipe Aiye Kan Si Wa Lehin Iku – 2007
Anointed Prayer (From Israel to Mount Sinai) – 2008
Igba Otun Ti De Sinu Aiye Mi (New Era Has Come to My Life) – 2008
Oluwa Ni Oluso Aguntan Mi – 2008
Odun Ayabo – 2008
40 Years of Sufficient Grace & Unmerited Favour 1 – 2009
40 Years of Sufficient Grace & Unmerited Favour 2 – 2009

Recently, an old video of her powerful and earth shaking ministration during the Lagos Crusade of Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa went viral on social media and her followers and fans testified to the spirit filled atmosphere that was present that day.

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A post shared by Woli Arole (@officialarole)

Her Ministry and career has spanned about 50 years as she’s tagged the Grandmother of Nigerian Gospel Music.

On Thursday 14th December 2023, Evangelist Bola Are will be celebrating her 50 years in ministry at The Hall Of Grace, Jogor Event Center, Liberty Road, Ibadan Oyo state.

An atmosphere to thank God for the uncommon Grace of God in her life. Fabrics and Dress Codes has also been out for distribution for this cause.

This beautiful celebration program was announced via her daughter’s Instagram page on 24th November 2023. It will also be graced by different ministers of the gospel who have been invited for ministration.