Nigerian singer and songwriter, Sola Allyson, has opened up about the deeply personal journey that led her to convert from Islam to Christianity, revealing that her childhood experiences, constant relocation, and exposure to different belief systems shaped her spiritual path.
Born Rasheedat into a Muslim family, Allyson said her earliest memories were rooted in Islam, especially during the years she spent with her maternal grandmother in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
In a candid interview on Oyinmomo TV, Allyson explained that religion became a fluid part of her life as she moved between households, each with its own convictions.
“When I moved to Ikorodu to live with my father’s parents, I met one of my old friends there. I used to follow her to church,” she said. “You know I was born a Muslim. My father was a Muslim. I was named Rasheedat.”
She emphasized that she has never hidden her background. In fact, she said she grew up curious about her identity and what her name represented.
“I researched the name since I was young. The meaning makes me happy. The meaning of the name is someone who is wise,” she added.
Allyson further noted that frequent changes in her living conditions also exposed her to a range of religious teachings. As a child in Ijebu-Ode, she observed the five daily Islamic prayers. Later, when she lived with Christian families, she adopted their practices as well.
“During those times that I stayed in Ikorodu, I used to sometimes sleep at my friend’s place whenever I followed her to church,” she said. “I read a lot. I have studied Buddhism. I read grey literature. I lived among born again Christians where my parents were not present.”
Her exposure to diverse religions, she said, made her more reflective rather than confused. Instead of feeling pressured to conform, she began to prioritize her personal relationship with God above labels or doctrines.
“I did not have too much choice on myself because of where I have lived,” she explained. “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’s revelation adds new layers to the public understanding of her music, which is often spiritual, introspective, and grounded in personal conviction. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of personal revelation and spiritual authenticity, regardless of one’s background.