Rep Naija Artists is proud to REP their FIRST Gospel artist: Lara George!!
My first exposure to this soulful yet inspirational singer’s work was through her single titled “Ko le baje” and I couldn’t help but wonder and find out who she was. This song is one of my favorite gospel songs of all time! Since the first time I heard this song, I haven’t stopped listening to it everyday! What a wonderful way to start each morning!! The work of God can not be destroyed!!
Listen to “Ko le baje”
We had the pleasure of asking her some questions and we present the information she shared with us!!
Born Lara Bajomo (now Lara George by marriage), Lara began her musical journey in high school: Queens’ College, Yaba where she took a lead role in a song. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at the University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG) to study Architecture and joined “Rocksolid”, the music team of “The Rock Foundation Mission”. It was at the campus fellowship she met Ty, Emem and Dapo. The bond between these four individuals tightened and led to the formation of a singing group named KUSH. Though members of the group went their separate ways later, it didn’t stop Lara from pursuing her passion.
She emerged back into the music scene two years later in 2008 with a solo debut album titled “Forever In My heart” with hit single “Ijoba Orun”. This album earned Lara several nominations and awards such as ‘Voice of the Year 2008’ Nigeria Music Awards, as well as ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Female Artiste of the Year’, Nigeria Gospel Music Awards 2009. This songwriter draws from all her experiences in life and the challenges she has encountered and conquered and recently released her self-titled sophomore album which is an expression of her versatility. Per Lara, the style on this album is more urban or ethnic contemporary yet has elements of hip-hop, salsa and soul. Her album features artists such as Lord of Ajasa in “Run with You” and Midnight Crew’s Pat Uwaje King in “Halleluyah”. You can also find the remix to “Ijoba Orun” on this new album, and the remix is much better than the original. Mind you, the original is really really good!!
Musically influenced by the likes of ABBA, Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, Victor Uwaifo, Bebe and Cece Winans, and Yvonne Maha, Lara’s music reflects an eclectic sound originating from percussions, strings, and drums with western and traditional influences. Though she doesn’t play any musical instruments at the moment, she’s currently taking piano classes! Unlike most artists, she doesn’t have an alias and we asked why. Her response was “The kind of music I do is inspirational. I believe that it is a way of life and not something to sing about only on stage. For me, music is as real as day to day living, and for that reason, I see no need to hide behind an alias.” Well said!
Though we all refer to her genre as being solely gospel, Lara describes her style of music differently. When asked to describe her music, she replied as such: “My style of music is inspirational. Some say that Gospel is a genre of music but I don’t totally agree. I believe that it’s a way of life that shines through in every facet of life, including music. For me, my music must always have a positive purpose and impact on people. Through my music, I hope to help people to see life the God-perspective.”
As a singer and songwriter whose album dropped last month, wife and mother (Lara is happily married to Gbenga George who is a legal practitioner and her manager. They both have a son, Adeoba Alexander George), Vice President of SoForte entertainment, we could only imagine how busy each day is for her and proceeded to inquire about this. When we asked Lara to describe a typical day in her life she said “The beautiful thing about my work is that there is no ‘typical’ day. I enjoy the fact that I do different things on different days. Some days, I dedicate to print, radio, and TV interviews. Other days, I have rehearsals; some days I take time out to attend a function at my son’s school, and yet other days, I spend at my office (aside from being a musician, I am also the Vice President of Naija’s first automated entertainment distribution company – SoForte Entertainment Distribution).”
As to what you can expect from her sophomore album, Lara says that it is an exciting, extremely enjoyable album. This new album has an ethnic contemporary feel throughout most parts of it while retaining the very soulful feel that I think is quite characteristic of my style. I don’t know about you but I am very excited about her work! I mean her soothing voice coupled with her songs of God’s praise is absolutely amazing! Just the few tracks off her album as featured on this post is a proof of her style and the hits within the album! If you are yet to buy her album, I suggest you do so! It’s already available on itunes and will be on all major digital stores soon if it’s there already!! So what are you waiting for?!!! Curious as to why you should buy this album, we’ll let Lara answer that herself: Because it’s great music (or at least I’d like to think so). Seriously though, I try to make music that will last more than a lifetime. It’s music that builds up, motivates and is funky and fun all at the same time!
While she just released her album not too long ago, we were curious as to what other artists she would like to work with, but she wouldn’t disclose names as she wants to surprise her listeners. I already have the names of potential featured artists in my head but I won’t disclose either! I’ll wait and see if my artists match hers!
As with her last album, I am sure she’ll be nominated for numerous awards in the upcoming months and years for her work. This is definitely one artist to watch out for now and in the coming years!
I REP Lara George!
Listen to “Run with you” ft. Lord of Ajasa
Listen to “Ijoba orun”
You can join her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6414653745
Check out her Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/larageorge
You can also visit www.larageorgemusic.com in a couple of weeks.
For more information about her and the distribution company that’s changing the face of entertainment distribution in Nigeria, log on to www.soforte.net in a few weeks!
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