 |
| ARA CARD |
Friday January 23rd 2015 was
the day famous female drummer, Aralola
Olamuyiwa aka Ara clocked 40. She
was born on January 23rd 1975 and for the one defined as “The
Enigma” it was a day to gather the cream-de-la-cream of high society including
those who have contributed in one way or the other to her soaring career into
an ambience of love and celebration.
The event took place inside one of the
ball rooms of the prestigious Oriental
Hotel, Lekki, Victoria Island. The ceremony was a twin one as Ara equally premiered her long awaited
movie, Oshunfunke to the delight of
guests and top celebrities who came to shower her love and patronage. The
movie, Oshunfunke is a
transformation of Ara from a
singer-drummer to a full-fledged artiste. Some of her yet to be released songs
from her new album was also played for the general public. About five of such
songs which she did with popular Hip-Pop acts like MI and Olamide. Her
movie, Oshunfunke starred actors
like Ricardo Agbor, Odunola Agoro
and many others. It was a night of fun,
merriment and celebration as many top celebrities from all sectors of the
entertainment industry blocked the day for Ara.
Your soar away Africa’s number 1 Celebrity encounter blog Asabeafrika was at the event and brings you scoops from the venue.
Enjoy!
the day famous female drummer, Aralola
Olamuyiwa aka Ara clocked 40. She
was born on January 23rd 1975 and for the one defined as “The
Enigma” it was a day to gather the cream-de-la-cream of high society including
those who have contributed in one way or the other to her soaring career into
an ambience of love and celebration.
The event took place inside one of the
ball rooms of the prestigious Oriental
Hotel, Lekki, Victoria Island. The ceremony was a twin one as Ara equally premiered her long awaited
movie, Oshunfunke to the delight of
guests and top celebrities who came to shower her love and patronage. The
movie, Oshunfunke is a
transformation of Ara from a
singer-drummer to a full-fledged artiste. Some of her yet to be released songs
from her new album was also played for the general public. About five of such
songs which she did with popular Hip-Pop acts like MI and Olamide. Her
movie, Oshunfunke starred actors
like Ricardo Agbor, Odunola Agoro
and many others. It was a night of fun,
merriment and celebration as many top celebrities from all sectors of the
entertainment industry blocked the day for Ara.
Your soar away Africa’s number 1 Celebrity encounter blog Asabeafrika was at the event and brings you scoops from the venue.
Enjoy!
 |
| Ara…The Enigma & Her Talking Drum |
The Invitation Card
Many VIPs
who got Ara’s invitation card were surprised at the level of creativity and
ingenuity that went into the making of the card. Designed by Jabes Print, the invite card was carved
in the form of a talking drum with a bold picture of the celebrant with her
trademark talking drum fastened to her armpit. The information on the card is
also symbolic of its intention, “An
Evening with Ara” reading further “Ara the enigma, Africa’s foremost female
talking drummer cordially requests the presence of (space given) To a
Multi-Dimensional Evening”. The card which admits only one was designed in
black and brown and was only made available to selected VIPs who were billed to
honor the artiste at the upscale event. The creativity of the Invitation card was a
source of discussion at the event as many discussed it till the event faded.
who got Ara’s invitation card were surprised at the level of creativity and
ingenuity that went into the making of the card. Designed by Jabes Print, the invite card was carved
in the form of a talking drum with a bold picture of the celebrant with her
trademark talking drum fastened to her armpit. The information on the card is
also symbolic of its intention, “An
Evening with Ara” reading further “Ara the enigma, Africa’s foremost female
talking drummer cordially requests the presence of (space given) To a
Multi-Dimensional Evening”. The card which admits only one was designed in
black and brown and was only made available to selected VIPs who were billed to
honor the artiste at the upscale event. The creativity of the Invitation card was a
source of discussion at the event as many discussed it till the event faded.
Why the event started @ 7
Although the
event was billed to start at 4pm dot as stated in the invitation card and Sms
messages sent out to guests but couldn’t start until 7pm dot which is a clear
three hours away from the stated time.
Although no official reason was given for the delay but one major factor that a
lot of people attributed to the delay was the normal Friday-Friday traffic
gridlock on the Lagos Island and what again? “The African time factor”; of course
some few personalities who came earlier were forced to while away time at the
hotel lobby while other top Lagosians like big girl, Aisha Guobadia used the 3 hour difference to visit her younger
sister at Ajah area of Lagos. However, the night started well and ended well
with everyone enjoying himself to hilt.
event was billed to start at 4pm dot as stated in the invitation card and Sms
messages sent out to guests but couldn’t start until 7pm dot which is a clear
three hours away from the stated time.
Although no official reason was given for the delay but one major factor that a
lot of people attributed to the delay was the normal Friday-Friday traffic
gridlock on the Lagos Island and what again? “The African time factor”; of course
some few personalities who came earlier were forced to while away time at the
hotel lobby while other top Lagosians like big girl, Aisha Guobadia used the 3 hour difference to visit her younger
sister at Ajah area of Lagos. However, the night started well and ended well
with everyone enjoying himself to hilt.
 |
| Ara singing some of her unreleased songs |
The return of Event Guru, Wale
Oluwaleimu
His name is
synonymous with events, entertainment and strategy. Wale Oluwaleimu is the big boy behind several top events of the 90s
and early 2000s in Lagos. Very bold, innovative and adventurous. He was one of
the big brains behind the Bashorun Dele
Momodu’s end-of-the-year event innovation Ovation Red Carol
that used to be the delight of Lagosians until it was moved to Accra,
Ghana two years ago. But a sudden encounter with dare devil armed robbers couple of
years back which nearly led to Wale
losing a right leg made him keep off the social radar for a while. But on this
very night of Ara’s birthday and
movie screening, the big boy whose father owns one of the longest streets in
Ikeja area of Lagos took charge as his team ensured every guests that arrived
had their names registered in the event log and equally led to an enviable spot
to enjoy the night. Wale Oluwaleimu
whose work experience started with Ara couple
of years ago is the CEO of Events and
Entertainment Consults. He was the man of the night as he worked tirelessly
from the back stage and equally refused to take photo shots.
synonymous with events, entertainment and strategy. Wale Oluwaleimu is the big boy behind several top events of the 90s
and early 2000s in Lagos. Very bold, innovative and adventurous. He was one of
the big brains behind the Bashorun Dele
Momodu’s end-of-the-year event innovation Ovation Red Carol
that used to be the delight of Lagosians until it was moved to Accra,
Ghana two years ago. But a sudden encounter with dare devil armed robbers couple of
years back which nearly led to Wale
losing a right leg made him keep off the social radar for a while. But on this
very night of Ara’s birthday and
movie screening, the big boy whose father owns one of the longest streets in
Ikeja area of Lagos took charge as his team ensured every guests that arrived
had their names registered in the event log and equally led to an enviable spot
to enjoy the night. Wale Oluwaleimu
whose work experience started with Ara couple
of years ago is the CEO of Events and
Entertainment Consults. He was the man of the night as he worked tirelessly
from the back stage and equally refused to take photo shots.
 |
| Ara’s Mum with with in-law and chairman of the occasion, High Chief Hamzat Olamuyiwa |
Meet the Chairman of the Occasion
His name is High Chief Hamzat Olamuyiwa, he is an
uncle to the celebrant. High Chief
Hamzat Olamuyiwa is the younger
brother to Late Alhaji Hameed
Oluwawemimo Olamuyiwa (Baba Adinni of Ondo Central Mosque) and father of
the celebrant. The very enterprising Ondo born industrialist came with his
beautiful wife, Chief (Mrs.) Toun
Olamuyiwa. Chief Hamzat Olamuyiwa
is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Folham Nigeria Ltd, a general merchandising firm. Since the
celebrant lost her dad in 2013, High
Chief Hamzat Olamuyiwa who is the only younger brother to the deceased (their
mother had only two of them for their father) took over the responsibility of
caring for his elder brother’s family and for him, that night was important as Ara remains one of his auspicious and
illustrious daughters.
uncle to the celebrant. High Chief
Hamzat Olamuyiwa is the younger
brother to Late Alhaji Hameed
Oluwawemimo Olamuyiwa (Baba Adinni of Ondo Central Mosque) and father of
the celebrant. The very enterprising Ondo born industrialist came with his
beautiful wife, Chief (Mrs.) Toun
Olamuyiwa. Chief Hamzat Olamuyiwa
is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Folham Nigeria Ltd, a general merchandising firm. Since the
celebrant lost her dad in 2013, High
Chief Hamzat Olamuyiwa who is the only younger brother to the deceased (their
mother had only two of them for their father) took over the responsibility of
caring for his elder brother’s family and for him, that night was important as Ara remains one of his auspicious and
illustrious daughters.
 |
| Aralola dancing with 69 years old mum, Alhaja Nusirat Temilola Olamuyiwa at the event |
Ara’s mum storm event with old
friends & eldest daughter
A lot of
people who saw Alhaja Nusirat Temilola
Olamuyiwa, mother of the celebrant that evening knew something was kicking
in Mama’s tummy as she wore the look of a very joyous mother all through. “Mama
Ara” as some guests preferred to call her stormed the event in company of two
of her best friends Chief (Mrs.) Johnson
and Chief (Mrs.) Sipe. Mama’s eldest
daughter and immediate senior sister to the celebrant, Mrs. Shileola Akinsulire drove Mama to the venue and was with her
all through on her table. The 69 years old ex-Ministry of Works and Housing
executive under General Obasanjo’s
era as Minister of Works and Housing was very happy to see her “baby” Ara turn into a full blown woman and
that was why her look glowed all through the occasion with a joyous mood which
never blinked for a second. A story of a sweet mother!
people who saw Alhaja Nusirat Temilola
Olamuyiwa, mother of the celebrant that evening knew something was kicking
in Mama’s tummy as she wore the look of a very joyous mother all through. “Mama
Ara” as some guests preferred to call her stormed the event in company of two
of her best friends Chief (Mrs.) Johnson
and Chief (Mrs.) Sipe. Mama’s eldest
daughter and immediate senior sister to the celebrant, Mrs. Shileola Akinsulire drove Mama to the venue and was with her
all through on her table. The 69 years old ex-Ministry of Works and Housing
executive under General Obasanjo’s
era as Minister of Works and Housing was very happy to see her “baby” Ara turn into a full blown woman and
that was why her look glowed all through the occasion with a joyous mood which
never blinked for a second. A story of a sweet mother!
 |
| Hey! The Birthday Girl is here….Her name is Ara…The Enigma |
Here comes Ara…the Enigma of the
Evening
The evening
began with Ara when she stepped into the hall at some minutes after 7pm with
her only son Irewole, looking
gorgeous and angelic in her queen-like ensemble, the queen of the talking drum
went round greeting guests from table to table and displaying her courtesy to
all and sundry as the entire hall stood attention in honor of her graceful
entry. Welcome to a multi-dimensional evening with Ara.
began with Ara when she stepped into the hall at some minutes after 7pm with
her only son Irewole, looking
gorgeous and angelic in her queen-like ensemble, the queen of the talking drum
went round greeting guests from table to table and displaying her courtesy to
all and sundry as the entire hall stood attention in honor of her graceful
entry. Welcome to a multi-dimensional evening with Ara.
 |
| The ARAmanda cake with some other articles of culture designed along with it |
About Ara’s drum Cake
Ara’s 40th birthday cake is a
master stroke as the cake drew the attention of many. The cake done by Opebi
based Cake & Cream was like the
invitation card carved in the mold of a talking drum. The talking drum this
time around had some cola nuts and bitter kolas with the drum stick laying it
forming the icing on the cake. The cake which drew great attention didn’t only
speak about the profession of the celebrant but said much of the traditional
beliefs that go with the talking drum as a royal item of kingly entertainment.
Many people who saw the Ara’s 40th birthday cake
gave kudos to the makers for the rare display of talent in carving a drum out
of cake and a cake out of drum. Bravo! Cake
& Cream
master stroke as the cake drew the attention of many. The cake done by Opebi
based Cake & Cream was like the
invitation card carved in the mold of a talking drum. The talking drum this
time around had some cola nuts and bitter kolas with the drum stick laying it
forming the icing on the cake. The cake which drew great attention didn’t only
speak about the profession of the celebrant but said much of the traditional
beliefs that go with the talking drum as a royal item of kingly entertainment.
Many people who saw the Ara’s 40th birthday cake
gave kudos to the makers for the rare display of talent in carving a drum out
of cake and a cake out of drum. Bravo! Cake
& Cream
 |
| Side View of the Aramanda (Wonderful) Cake |
What about Ara’s make up?
Ara’s make up for the evening according to
reliable sources was done by several of her big fans who contributed to the day
for her. For instance, her outfit and make up which was done by Banke Meshida was sponsored by one of Ara’s aged fans Chief (Mrs.) Akanle. Her hairdo for the night was done by a leading
hair stylist Bollywood who gave her
60% discount for the special treatment.
reliable sources was done by several of her big fans who contributed to the day
for her. For instance, her outfit and make up which was done by Banke Meshida was sponsored by one of Ara’s aged fans Chief (Mrs.) Akanle. Her hairdo for the night was done by a leading
hair stylist Bollywood who gave her
60% discount for the special treatment.
 |
| Tessy, Yembra, Ara, Aisha Goubadia and her little daughter |
The Ara & Akin Ambode show
Not many
celebrities who came for the Ara
birthday and movie screening had an inclination that January 23rd was equally the same day Lagos APC
governorship aspirant Akinwunmi Ambode
was having a sensitization campaign program at same Oriental Hotel. Ambode’s event which started some two
hours before Ara’s event led to a
snarl of traffic at the entrance of the hotel as guests going in and out of the
event took the entire space and the hotel traffic department had to create
another parking lot at the extreme left side at the back end of the hotel to
accommodate guests for Ara’s twin
event. It was indeed an Ara-Akin-Ambode
show! Both Akin Ambode and Ara drew the cream-de-la-cream of
Lagos to Oriental that evening.
celebrities who came for the Ara
birthday and movie screening had an inclination that January 23rd was equally the same day Lagos APC
governorship aspirant Akinwunmi Ambode
was having a sensitization campaign program at same Oriental Hotel. Ambode’s event which started some two
hours before Ara’s event led to a
snarl of traffic at the entrance of the hotel as guests going in and out of the
event took the entire space and the hotel traffic department had to create
another parking lot at the extreme left side at the back end of the hotel to
accommodate guests for Ara’s twin
event. It was indeed an Ara-Akin-Ambode
show! Both Akin Ambode and Ara drew the cream-de-la-cream of
Lagos to Oriental that evening.
 |
| Ara in a tete-a-tete with her Pastor, Prophet Adebowale |
Meet Ara’s Pastor, Abiodun Adebowale
It was when
the Master of Ceremony invited him to the podium that many came to know him as Ara’s pastor. His name is Prophet Abiodun Adebowale, he is the
General Overseer of Christ Prophetic
Assembly. The Ilaro, Ogun state born
man of God mounted the stage and committed the event unto God almighty at
7:35pm. His five minutes prayer was very powerful and instructive as he committed
all aspect of the event unto God for divine direction. Prophet Abiodun Adebowale was one of the early callers to the event
after DJ Jimmy Jatt.
the Master of Ceremony invited him to the podium that many came to know him as Ara’s pastor. His name is Prophet Abiodun Adebowale, he is the
General Overseer of Christ Prophetic
Assembly. The Ilaro, Ogun state born
man of God mounted the stage and committed the event unto God almighty at
7:35pm. His five minutes prayer was very powerful and instructive as he committed
all aspect of the event unto God for divine direction. Prophet Abiodun Adebowale was one of the early callers to the event
after DJ Jimmy Jatt.
 |
| Prophet Israel Ogundipe of CCC, Genesis Parish |
Cele Evangelist Ogundipe too
The famous
man of God and Shepherd-in-charge of Celestial
Church of Christ, Genesis Parish, Alakuko, Lagos; Evangelist Israel Ogundipe stormed the event for Ara.
The very dynamic man of God was decked in a brown suit and was nearly mistaken
for a Pentecostal pastor if not for his name that was mentioned for special
recognition. Evangelist Israel Ogundipe
is said to be very close to some of Ara’s
band boys and he is equally a silent fan of Ara the Enigma
man of God and Shepherd-in-charge of Celestial
Church of Christ, Genesis Parish, Alakuko, Lagos; Evangelist Israel Ogundipe stormed the event for Ara.
The very dynamic man of God was decked in a brown suit and was nearly mistaken
for a Pentecostal pastor if not for his name that was mentioned for special
recognition. Evangelist Israel Ogundipe
is said to be very close to some of Ara’s
band boys and he is equally a silent fan of Ara the Enigma
 |
| Ara….The Enigma with some of the lead casts in her new movie, Oshunfunke |
Meet Ara’s younger brother who is
Money Gram big boy
Kunle Olamuyiwa is the immediate younger brother to Ara. This very handsome dude is the
business development manager of Money
Gram International for the Anglo West African Market. He was one of the
earlier callers at the event. Kunle
is said to be close to Ara and
equally passionate about her.
business development manager of Money
Gram International for the Anglo West African Market. He was one of the
earlier callers at the event. Kunle
is said to be close to Ara and
equally passionate about her.
 |
| The very Funny Comedian and MC, SLK with Asabeafrika’s GDA |
The Laff therapist in the house
If there was
one guy who made the entire event worth its onion, he is no other person than Salako Oluponmile, master of the ceremony. This Lagos based comedian
famously known as SLK and Chief Executive Officer of Laff Therapy Ltd, dished out several jokes in both Yoruba and
English language that made many people reel in laughter and giving applauses.
He was both in charge and in control of the event as he never let any aspect of
the event slip into a boring moment.
one guy who made the entire event worth its onion, he is no other person than Salako Oluponmile, master of the ceremony. This Lagos based comedian
famously known as SLK and Chief Executive Officer of Laff Therapy Ltd, dished out several jokes in both Yoruba and
English language that made many people reel in laughter and giving applauses.
He was both in charge and in control of the event as he never let any aspect of
the event slip into a boring moment.
 |
| Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM (R) with a male guest |
Big boys who supported Ara unveiled
The making
of the 40th birthday celebration and Movie Screening of Ara’s movie Oshunfunke is one event
that came as a big surprise to many of Ara’s
fans and colleagues as the event didn’t only come with class and panache
but was equally grand in all ramifications due to its five star pedigrees.
Investigation however revealed that some big boys who are fans of the artiste
threw their weight behind the event and made it happen. Some of the big names
that stood for Ara are Prince Segun Oniru the Lagos state
commissioner for Water front development, oil and gas big boys Prince Goke Adedoyin and Otunba Bola Adeyeye of Soka oil and
Gas. Others are Deejay Jimmy Jatt
who came with his entire team and equipment to make the event successful. Pro-Angle Nigeria Ltd, a leading
business solution firm also contributed to the success of the event and many
other top fans of the iconic talking drummer.
of the 40th birthday celebration and Movie Screening of Ara’s movie Oshunfunke is one event
that came as a big surprise to many of Ara’s
fans and colleagues as the event didn’t only come with class and panache
but was equally grand in all ramifications due to its five star pedigrees.
Investigation however revealed that some big boys who are fans of the artiste
threw their weight behind the event and made it happen. Some of the big names
that stood for Ara are Prince Segun Oniru the Lagos state
commissioner for Water front development, oil and gas big boys Prince Goke Adedoyin and Otunba Bola Adeyeye of Soka oil and
Gas. Others are Deejay Jimmy Jatt
who came with his entire team and equipment to make the event successful. Pro-Angle Nigeria Ltd, a leading
business solution firm also contributed to the success of the event and many
other top fans of the iconic talking drummer.
 |
| Aralola the birthday girl with her Deejay, Deejay Puffy Tee |
A lieutenant colonel in the house
When this
gentle man stepped into the event hall with his aides, every eye went in his
direction. The reason is not farfetched; Lieutenant
Atunwa Adebayo came in his full fledge military paraphernalia. He was led
into the event by two of his aides who were also fully dressed in military
regalia. Investigation later revealed that Lieutenant
Atunwa Adebayo is a member of Ara’s church, Christ Prophetic Assembly under the leadership of Prophet Abiodun Adebowale. The young
military officer took a strategic seat at the back of the hall and didnt leave
until the event came to an end.
gentle man stepped into the event hall with his aides, every eye went in his
direction. The reason is not farfetched; Lieutenant
Atunwa Adebayo came in his full fledge military paraphernalia. He was led
into the event by two of his aides who were also fully dressed in military
regalia. Investigation later revealed that Lieutenant
Atunwa Adebayo is a member of Ara’s church, Christ Prophetic Assembly under the leadership of Prophet Abiodun Adebowale. The young
military officer took a strategic seat at the back of the hall and didnt leave
until the event came to an end.
 |
| Ara with soul jazz queen, Yinka Davies |
Nollywood storm Oriental for Ara
It is no
doubt that Ara the enigma might have
launched herself full time into Nollywood
with the movie Oshunfunke which was
screened the night of her birthday celebration. Apart from lead actors like Ricardo Agbor and Odun Agoro (OD Mama) who featured prominently in the movie Oshunfunke with Ara, the president of the Lagos Chapter of the Actors Guild of
Nigeria Victor Osuagwu equally
stormed the venue for Ara. He led
other top actors like Fred Amata, Iyabo
Ojo and on-air-personality Lolo 1
of Wazobia FM to the event. Victor Osuagwu who is also a comedian
was the cynosure of all eyes as he took his seat some minutes into the event.
doubt that Ara the enigma might have
launched herself full time into Nollywood
with the movie Oshunfunke which was
screened the night of her birthday celebration. Apart from lead actors like Ricardo Agbor and Odun Agoro (OD Mama) who featured prominently in the movie Oshunfunke with Ara, the president of the Lagos Chapter of the Actors Guild of
Nigeria Victor Osuagwu equally
stormed the venue for Ara. He led
other top actors like Fred Amata, Iyabo
Ojo and on-air-personality Lolo 1
of Wazobia FM to the event. Victor Osuagwu who is also a comedian
was the cynosure of all eyes as he took his seat some minutes into the event.
 |
| Nollywood stars Ricardo Agbor with Fred Amata takes a shot with Kemi Otegbade at the event |
Lagos big girls in attendance
Some top
Lagos big girls at the event are Kemi
Otegbade of Heart-Links, Funke Kuti,
Aisha Guobadia, Tessy Alero Yembra, Chidinma
Ukonu of Divine Looks Makeovers,
Beauty Alakwe of B-Zon World and many other big girls
who stood for Ara on her day of joy.
Lagos big girls at the event are Kemi
Otegbade of Heart-Links, Funke Kuti,
Aisha Guobadia, Tessy Alero Yembra, Chidinma
Ukonu of Divine Looks Makeovers,
Beauty Alakwe of B-Zon World and many other big girls
who stood for Ara on her day of joy.
 |
| FILUDARA in real action for ARA |
A night of female drummers….
One very
prominent feature of the event was the manner young and upcoming female talking
drummers stormed the event for Ara.
Some of the names that came and performed at the event are Filu-Dara from Ibadan, Ayagba-Jesu
from Ogun state and Ayan-Jesu who is
into bata and other bigger drumming. Filu-Dara, a University of Ibadan
theatre arts graduate was the first to mount the stage and perform. Her
performance led to great appreciation by the invited guests as they appreciated
her theatrics on the drum. Many of the female drummers gave kudos to Ara for being a big sister in terms of
helping their career grow and equally wished her a “Happy Birthday”. The female
talking drummers no doubt made the evening full of fun and also showed Ara as the leader of a new group of up
and coming entertainers in the talking drum family.
prominent feature of the event was the manner young and upcoming female talking
drummers stormed the event for Ara.
Some of the names that came and performed at the event are Filu-Dara from Ibadan, Ayagba-Jesu
from Ogun state and Ayan-Jesu who is
into bata and other bigger drumming. Filu-Dara, a University of Ibadan
theatre arts graduate was the first to mount the stage and perform. Her
performance led to great appreciation by the invited guests as they appreciated
her theatrics on the drum. Many of the female drummers gave kudos to Ara for being a big sister in terms of
helping their career grow and equally wished her a “Happy Birthday”. The female
talking drummers no doubt made the evening full of fun and also showed Ara as the leader of a new group of up
and coming entertainers in the talking drum family.
 |
| Afrobeat Music Scion, Olufemi Kuti of Positive Band |
Femi and ex-wife, Funke re-unite at
Ara’s birthday
One of the
top celebrities that stormed the event for Ara
is scion of the Afro beat music and late Fela Anikulapo’s son Femi Anikulapo Kuti. Femi who stormed
the venue at 9:36 with his sister Yeni
kuti came with a fair complexioned lady who is rumored to be one of his
young “friends”. However, before his arrival, his ex, Funke was already seated with Fred
Amata and Big Girl Kemi Otegbade.
Femi and sister Yeni chose to take a
seat at the back side of the hall. But few minutes after the cutting of Ara’s birthday cake Femi and Funke took a rare photo shot together, a gesture which is rumored
to be the first one in a long while.
top celebrities that stormed the event for Ara
is scion of the Afro beat music and late Fela Anikulapo’s son Femi Anikulapo Kuti. Femi who stormed
the venue at 9:36 with his sister Yeni
kuti came with a fair complexioned lady who is rumored to be one of his
young “friends”. However, before his arrival, his ex, Funke was already seated with Fred
Amata and Big Girl Kemi Otegbade.
Femi and sister Yeni chose to take a
seat at the back side of the hall. But few minutes after the cutting of Ara’s birthday cake Femi and Funke took a rare photo shot together, a gesture which is rumored
to be the first one in a long while.
 |
| Guest Female Talking Drummer, FILUDARA wishing Big Aunty Ara happy birthday |
How MI stormed ARA’s show
The biggest entertainment personality of the night that
graced the event was star rapper MI.
What made MI’s appearance more
significant was the fact that he was seeing Ara for the first time even though he did a duet with Ara in one of her yet to be released
songs, Aramide. But both MI and Ara never saw face to face during the recording of the song. On the
night of her birthday, MI was at the
upper floor of the Oriental Hotel
where APC gubernatorial aspirant for Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode was having his program when he came down and saw Deejay Puffy Tee, a famous Deejay who
produced Ara and several other
stars. It was Puffy Tee who hinted MI about the Ara event in the next hall and straight away, without an IV, MI chose to honor a big sister with his
rare appearance which was really honored by Ara and her team. MI
also gave a toast to Ara the
birthday girl at 40.
graced the event was star rapper MI.
What made MI’s appearance more
significant was the fact that he was seeing Ara for the first time even though he did a duet with Ara in one of her yet to be released
songs, Aramide. But both MI and Ara never saw face to face during the recording of the song. On the
night of her birthday, MI was at the
upper floor of the Oriental Hotel
where APC gubernatorial aspirant for Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode was having his program when he came down and saw Deejay Puffy Tee, a famous Deejay who
produced Ara and several other
stars. It was Puffy Tee who hinted MI about the Ara event in the next hall and straight away, without an IV, MI chose to honor a big sister with his
rare appearance which was really honored by Ara and her team. MI
also gave a toast to Ara the
birthday girl at 40.
 |
| Ara….The Enigma & Birthday girl savoring her happy moments |
The unveiling of Oshunfunke
When the
lights went off for the premier of Oshunfunke,
Ara’s new movie, everyone in the
hall was very anxious to see what the movie looked like. The 15 minutes
screening saw about four scenes where Ara,
Ricardo Agbor and Odun Agoro displayed their talents. The
movie which is majorly about promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage and arts
weaved around an instructive storyline promises to bring more out of Ara for Nollywood. Many speakers who
spoke at the event urged Ara to
release the movie immediately so that Nigerians can benefit from it. Oshunfunke is staring Ricardo Agbor, Ara and rap star Olamide.
It is one work that is set to confirm Ara
as the unbeatable ambassador of Arts in Africa.
lights went off for the premier of Oshunfunke,
Ara’s new movie, everyone in the
hall was very anxious to see what the movie looked like. The 15 minutes
screening saw about four scenes where Ara,
Ricardo Agbor and Odun Agoro displayed their talents. The
movie which is majorly about promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage and arts
weaved around an instructive storyline promises to bring more out of Ara for Nollywood. Many speakers who
spoke at the event urged Ara to
release the movie immediately so that Nigerians can benefit from it. Oshunfunke is staring Ricardo Agbor, Ara and rap star Olamide.
It is one work that is set to confirm Ara
as the unbeatable ambassador of Arts in Africa.
 |
| First Female Comedian Mandy with Comic Actor and President, Actors’Guild, Lagos Chapter, Victor Osuagwu |
How General Obasanjo stormed Oriental
Hall for Ara
One of the
high moments of the event was when a documentary on the life of Ara was exhibited in the hall to the
delights of guests. One of the first speakers in the documentary turned out to
be Nigeria’s ex-President and elder statesman General Mathew Aremu Okikiolakan Olusegun Obasanjo. The former head
of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces elicited reactions across
the hall when he appeared on the big screen as people screamed “Ebora Owu”. Baba Obasanjo gave kudos to Ara on her 40th birthday and
equally praised her for being able to elevate the art of talking drumming to a
global level despite her young age. Baba noted with reason, that talking drumming
used to be associated with old and poor rag tagged men but it is now a great
achievement and departure from the norm, that a young, smart girl like Ara will take the art of talking drum
to an enviable level. He prayed for Ara and
wished her more successful years on earth. The second speaker in the well-coordinated
documentary is Nobel Prize winner, Professor
Wole Soyinka who equally praised the creativity and ingenuity of Ara for using her talent of talking
drum to promote Nigeria at a young age. The octogenarian prayed that Ara will continue to soar from strength
to strength. Other personalities who spoke in the documentary are Fuji Music star,
Alhaji Alabi Pasuma aka Arabambi 2, Alhaja Nusirat Temilola Olamuyiwa, Ara’s mother and Deejay Puffy Tee to mention few.
high moments of the event was when a documentary on the life of Ara was exhibited in the hall to the
delights of guests. One of the first speakers in the documentary turned out to
be Nigeria’s ex-President and elder statesman General Mathew Aremu Okikiolakan Olusegun Obasanjo. The former head
of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces elicited reactions across
the hall when he appeared on the big screen as people screamed “Ebora Owu”. Baba Obasanjo gave kudos to Ara on her 40th birthday and
equally praised her for being able to elevate the art of talking drumming to a
global level despite her young age. Baba noted with reason, that talking drumming
used to be associated with old and poor rag tagged men but it is now a great
achievement and departure from the norm, that a young, smart girl like Ara will take the art of talking drum
to an enviable level. He prayed for Ara and
wished her more successful years on earth. The second speaker in the well-coordinated
documentary is Nobel Prize winner, Professor
Wole Soyinka who equally praised the creativity and ingenuity of Ara for using her talent of talking
drum to promote Nigeria at a young age. The octogenarian prayed that Ara will continue to soar from strength
to strength. Other personalities who spoke in the documentary are Fuji Music star,
Alhaji Alabi Pasuma aka Arabambi 2, Alhaja Nusirat Temilola Olamuyiwa, Ara’s mother and Deejay Puffy Tee to mention few.
 |
| Ara….The Enigma |
Other secrets you don’t know about
Ara
It was
revealed by no other person than Mama
Ara (Ara’s mother) Alhaja Nusirat
Temilola Olamuyiwa (Nee Victoria) she revealed in the documentary how Ara started her musical career at age
six, singing and playing all sorts of instruments in the house. Alhaja Aralola noted that her husband
had to buy some musical instruments for the young Ara to encourage her ambition and that by age 12 she had started
appearing on Television programs in Ondo state and later in Lagos and she was
equally made a social prefect at age 12 at Fiwasaye
Grammar School in Ondo state. She described ARA as a rare breed of a child
and the only girl among six boys.
revealed by no other person than Mama
Ara (Ara’s mother) Alhaja Nusirat
Temilola Olamuyiwa (Nee Victoria) she revealed in the documentary how Ara started her musical career at age
six, singing and playing all sorts of instruments in the house. Alhaja Aralola noted that her husband
had to buy some musical instruments for the young Ara to encourage her ambition and that by age 12 she had started
appearing on Television programs in Ondo state and later in Lagos and she was
equally made a social prefect at age 12 at Fiwasaye
Grammar School in Ondo state. She described ARA as a rare breed of a child
and the only girl among six boys.
 |
| Ara’s mum, the happy and joyous Alhaja Nusirat Temilola Olamuyiwa |
Gbenga Adeyinka, Steve Ayorinde dump
Ambode for Ara
That was
what it looked like when famous comedian Gbenag
Adeyinka dropped his MC Job after the Akinwunmi
Ambode’s event to reach out to Ara
at her own event. He was joined by journalist, Steve Ayorinde who is equally the
director for media and publicity for Akinwunmi
Ambode Gubernatorial Project. They joined other celebrities to honor Aralola who mounted the stage in the
later part of the night to give various fantastic sounds with her drum, played
some of her unreleased works and equally invited celebrities to cut her
birthday cake with her. It was indeed her night of honor.
what it looked like when famous comedian Gbenag
Adeyinka dropped his MC Job after the Akinwunmi
Ambode’s event to reach out to Ara
at her own event. He was joined by journalist, Steve Ayorinde who is equally the
director for media and publicity for Akinwunmi
Ambode Gubernatorial Project. They joined other celebrities to honor Aralola who mounted the stage in the
later part of the night to give various fantastic sounds with her drum, played
some of her unreleased works and equally invited celebrities to cut her
birthday cake with her. It was indeed her night of honor.
 |
| A Mr and Mrs. storm Oriental for Ara |
 |
| A Happy Couple at the event |
 |
| A female guest at the event |
 |
| Some Lagos big gals at the event |
 |
| Some happy elderly women at the event |
 |
| Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM (R) with another friend |
 |
| Mama Ara, Alhaja Nusirat Temilola Olamuyiwa (L) with another friend |
 |
| Lead Acts in Ara’s new movie, Oshunfunke, Odunola Agoro with Ricardo Agbor |
 |
| Ara’s mum, Alhaja Nusirat Temilola Olamuyiwa with a friend |
 |
| Big Gal, Aisha Goubadia with her little girl |
 |
| Big Gals Funke Kuti with Kemi Otegbade |
 |
| Dance Queen, Tessy Alero Yembra |
 |
| Deejay Puffy Tee with a male guest |
 |
| Another big boy at the event |
