LOLA RAE: Nigerian British born Singer, Songwriter and Dancer

 Lola Rae 

Lola Rae is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, dancer, and performer known for her smooth blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop music. With her soft vocals, captivating stage presence, and multicultural background, Lola Rae has built a unique identity in the African music industry.

Early Life and Background

Lola Rae was born Rachel Akosua Funmilola Garton on January 20, 1991, in Obalende, Lagos State, Nigeria. She comes from a mixed heritage  her father is British while her mother is Ghanaian-Nigerian. This multicultural background influenced her sound and worldview from a young age.

She spent much of her early life in Nigeria before moving to the United Kingdom for her education. Growing up between Africa and Europe exposed her to various musical influences including R&B, pop, Afrobeats, and hip-hop.

Education and Early Passion for Music

Lola Rae studied at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, where she earned a degree in Fashion Textiles. However, while studying fashion, her true passion was always music and dance.

During her time in the UK, she auditioned for the British girl group “Mystikal” in 2010. Although the group did not achieve major success, the experience gave her confidence and industry exposure.

After the group disbanded, Lola Rae decided to pursue a solo music career.

Music Career Breakthrough

Lola Rae officially launched her solo career in 2012. Her big break came in 2013 with the release of her hit single Watch My Ting Go. The song became widely popular in Nigeria and across Africa, earning heavy radio play and establishing her as a rising star.

Following that success, she released other notable songs including:

High

Fi Mi Le

One Time

You Know What My Name Is

Biko

Her music style blends Afrobeats rhythms with R&B melodies, often accompanied by dance-friendly beats and stylish visuals.

Return to Nigeria

Although she began her professional career in the UK, Lola Rae later relocated to Nigeria to reconnect with the African music market. This move helped her build stronger industry relationships and perform at major events.

Her versatility and international exposure gave her an edge, allowing her to collaborate with various African artists and producers.

Relationship with Tekno

Lola Rae gained significant media attention due to her relationship with Nigerian music star Tekno. The two were romantically involved for several years and share a daughter together.

Their relationship was widely followed by fans and media, making Lola Rae even more visible in entertainment news. Although they eventually separated, they remain connected through co-parenting.

Motherhood and Personal Growth

Becoming a mother marked an important chapter in Lola Rae’s life. She has occasionally shared insights about balancing motherhood and a music career. Her journey reflects maturity, resilience, and growth both personally and professionally.

Despite public scrutiny, she has maintained a relatively private lifestyle compared to many celebrities.

Style and Public Image

Lola Rae is known for her calm personality and elegant fashion sense. With a background in fashion, she pays attention to her style and often appears polished and sophisticated at events.

Her soft-spoken nature contrasts with her confident stage performances, making her both relatable and admired.

Challenges and Career Evolution

Like many artists, Lola Rae has experienced career pauses and transitions. The Nigerian music industry is highly competitive, and maintaining constant mainstream dominance can be challenging.

However, Lola Rae has continued to release music and stay connected to her fan base. She represents artists who evolve at their own pace rather than chasing trends.

Legacy and Influence

Lola Rae belongs to the generation of female Afrobeats artists who helped shape the modern sound of Nigerian pop music in the early 2010s. Alongside other female acts of that era, she contributed to expanding opportunities for women in Afrobeats.

Her journey from Obalende to London and back to Nigeria shows determination and belief in her craft. While she may not always dominate headlines, her contribution to African pop culture remains recognized.

Lola Rae continues to focus on music, motherhood, and personal development. She occasionally releases new songs and engages with fans online.

Her biography tells the story of a young girl with international roots who followed her passion for music across continents. Through highs and lows, Lola Rae has maintained her identity as a talented, graceful, and resilient artist.