Pursuing Passion Across Borders: The Journey of Folake Olowofoyeku
2 min read
After facing multiple rejections from the University of Lagos, at the young age of 18, she made a pivotal decision to leave her home country and settle in New York, a city that would pave the way for numerous creative opportunities. Despite initially pursuing a major in Economics, she soon realized her true calling lay in Theatre.
However, her journey towards embracing her passion was not without its challenges. Born into a family where pursuing a career in the performing arts was deemed unacceptable by her strict father, Babatunji Olówófôyekù, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, she found solace in her newfound independence abroad, away from the weight of familial expectations.
With sheer determination, she honed her musical skills, teaching herself to play bass guitar after purchasing one with her meager allowance. Her persistence paid off when she had the opportunity to perform alongside music legend David Bowie. Years later, her role as Abishola catapulted her to Hollywood stardom.
While she basks in the limelight, rubbing shoulders with icons like Beyoncé at the Grammys and showcasing her musical talents on platforms like The Kelly Clarkson Show, her journey has been tinged with emotional turmoil. Despite the distance, she fondly recalls her mother’s unwavering support for her artistic endeavors, contrasting sharply with her father’s rigid expectations.
Nevertheless, her longing for her father’s approval led her to the world of acting, where she hoped to find acceptance. As she prepares to transition from acting to focusing more on her music career post-Bob Hearts Abishola, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of spreading the message of love through her music.
Drawing from her experiences in therapy and mindfulness practices, she reflects on the transformative power of love, acknowledging its capacity for both pain and peace. As she prepares to debut her music, characterized by a fusion of electric guitar, Afrobeats, and Afrorock, she coins the term “Afrojoy” to encapsulate the essence of her musical expression.
Despite her success abroad, she remains deeply connected to her Nigerian roots, advocating for a cultural shift towards embracing love and fostering a mindset of positivity and growth. As she embarks on this new chapter of her musical journey, Folake Olowofoyeku epitomizes resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of her passions across borders.
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