Evangelist (Dr) Bola Are is a veteran Nigerian Gospel Singer and former president of the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria. With her signature albums ‘Evergreen’ and “Baba Ku Ise”, Mama Bola Are, who started singing from a very tender age, is an accountant turned gospel artiste and has remained in the industry in the past 6 decades.
Her zest and passion for music made her obtain a Doctorate degree in Music in July 1985 from St. John's University, Missouri U.S.A.
Mama Bola Are grew up under the tutelage of four powerful prophets under the ministry of Christ Apostolic Church - Apostle Ayodele Babalola, Prophet Babajide, Prophet Akande and Prophet T.O Obadare. Being spiritually gifted herself, she spends most of her time on the mountain, where she receives inspiration from the Holy Spirit.
Her group, ‘Bola & Her Spiritual Singers’ was founded in 1973, and they produced her 1st musical album in August 1977 titled “Baba Kuse". She has seventy albums to her credit to date. She got married in 1977 to Pastor J.O. Are, a banker by profession and a native of Owo in Ondo State of blessed memory.
In 1995, Mama Bola set up the Bola Are Gospel Foundation International, aimed at catering to the needs of the less privileged in society. Evangelist (Dr) Bola Are has taken gospel music across the world through her singing ministry.
We celebrate you, Mama, for blazing the trail for gospel music in Nigeria and your zeal and continuity in keeping the flame burning.