Background
Kola was born on 20 August in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, but was of Yoruba background, the son of an itinerant police officer
Kola was born on 20 August in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, but was of Yoruba background, the son of an itinerant police officer
After moving from Iboland to Lagos, he attended Okota Community High School, a tough environment.
He now plays an array of instruments including saxophone - soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, trumpet, fluger horn, and slide trombone. He was influenced by artists such as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Orlando Julius, Doctor Victor Abimbola Olaiya, Dayo Kujore and King Sunny Adé, and for two years played with Olaiya. At age 18 he formed his own band in Lagos.
Kola and his 15-piece Afro jazz Ensemble, which includes female dancers, has performed all over the globe.
He went to United States of America in 1996 where he had a successful tour. On return to Nigeria he opened a cultural club for Art and Music in Opebi, Allen, Lagos.
Due to these experiences he returned to the United States of America, where he gained citizenship. By 2010 he had recorded 8 CDs.