Aralola Olamuyiwa, Nigeria’s trailblazing female talking drummer, Ara, opened up about the harsh realities she faced on her journey to fame, revealing years of exploitation, abuse, and emotional turmoil in the music industry. The legendary artist, who recently celebrated her 50th birthday anniversary, shared her 25-year journey as a prominent figure in the entertainment world during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The Dark Side of Fame: Exploitation and Abuse 😔
Ara recounted how, at one point, she became a victim of sexual exploitation by the leader of a record label she was contracted to for six years. This exploitative relationship led to her isolation from family and fellow artists and subjected her to severe emotional and physical abuse. Despite these traumatic experiences, Ara expressed gratitude for the achievements she gained while working with the label, which thrust her into the limelight.
“My journey to stardom would be incomplete without revealing how I was exploited, enslaved, and mistreated during those six years, from 2000 to 2007,” Ara shared. She was isolated from her family, denied the opportunity to see her parents, and kept away from other artists.
The abuse escalated when the record label owner deceived Ara, claiming he was unmarried, only for her to later discover he was expecting a child with another woman. “It was a horrible experience, and I believe some dark forces were involved,” Ara said.
Despite the hardship, Ara emphasized that her time in the spotlight also allowed her to perform with icons such as Wyclef Jean, Stevie Wonder, and Wesley Snipes.
The Financial Struggle: Unfair Contracts and Deprivation 💰
Ara explained how her contract was structured so that she only received 30% of the proceeds from her work, while the record label took the lion’s share of 70%. She further revealed that the money she did receive was often given to her in installments, preventing her from having full control over her finances.
At the end of her contract, Ara found herself with no assets—no house, no land, no car, and no money. The official car that had been provided to her was also taken away when she refused to renew the contract. Ara’s experience was far worse than that of Mohbad, a late Nigerian artist who also faced similar exploitation, she added.
Raising Awareness: Creating a Safe Environment for Artists 👩🎤
Today, as the Governor of the Lagos chapter of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Ara is committed to fighting exploitation in the music industry. She has made it her mission to speak out against abuse and inspire others to do the same. “It is crucial for industry leaders to ensure that aspiring artists are not taken advantage of,” she emphasized.
Reflecting on her past decisions, Ara expressed that she would never have signed the contract without her father’s consent and the advice of a lawyer. She went on to share that despite the dark moments, she has emerged stronger and more resilient, with a fighting spirit to help others avoid similar struggles.
Moving Forward: Love, Marriage, and Personal Growth 💖
Ara also spoke about her personal life, including her views on marriage. Despite the hardships, she values marriage deeply and hopes to meet a good man who will appreciate her for who she is. “I have decided to focus on self-development for now,” she shared. Ara had been legally married before, but the marriage was annulled in 2011. Today, she maintains a friendly relationship with her ex-husband, and they share a son who is now 16 years old.
Through it all, Ara appreciates the strength and grace that allowed her to overcome the trials of her career and personal life. “I don’t look like what I’ve been through,” she said, adding, “The journey was rough, but now I’ve found grace.”
Conclusion: Ara’s Legacy and Continued Influence 🎶
With 25 years of experience in the music industry, Ara has released over 40 songs and continues to inspire many in the entertainment world. Looking back on her experiences, she sees herself as more of a performing artist than a recording artist, but is grateful for all the opportunities that have come her way.
Are you inspired by Ara’s incredible journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Ara’s journey as she continues to break barriers in the Nigerian music industry. Stay tuned for more updates on Ara’s story!
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