Nigerian singer Sola Allyson has opened up about her journey from Islam to Christianity, explaining how her upbringing, family situation, and personal search for understanding shaped her path.
In an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the “Eji Owuro” crooner said she was born Rasheedat into a Muslim household. After her parents separated, she lived with her maternal grandmother in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where she practiced core Islamic teachings.
Her life took a different turn when she later moved to Ikorodu, Lagos, to stay with her paternal grandparents. There, she reconnected with an old friend who frequently took her to church, introducing her to Christianity.
Allyson said she has never denied her Islamic roots or her birth name.
“When I moved to Ikorodu to live with my father’s parent, I met one of my old friends there. I used to follow her to her church. You know I was born a Muslim. My father was a Muslim. I was named Rasheedat,” she said.
“I do not hide it. I researched the name since I was young. The meaning makes me happy. The meaning of the name is ‘someone who is wise’.”
She recalled how her living arrangements exposed her to different beliefs.
“During those times that I stayed in Ikorodu, I used to sometimes sleep at my friend’s place whenever I followed her to church.
“I read a lot. I have studied Buddhism. I read grey literature. I lived among both again Christians where my parents were not present.
“I did not have too much choice on myself because of where I have lived. When I was in Ijebu-Ode, we had to observe all five times of Islamic prayers. And later, when I lived with some Christians, it was expedient that I practice their religion.
“To me, knowing the will of God is better than practicing a certain religion. If I am with anyone practising any other religion, we would naturally flow.”
Sola Allyson added that her formal music career began on January 17, 1997, after she attended a music training session at a Celestial Church of Christ.
