How I Feel Turning 40 - Loolla

Omolola Owoeye, a.k.a Loolla, in this interview with OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, expresses her excitement as she looks forward to her fortieth birthday on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, prompting her to slate a bumper event to mark the iconic age that will feature special songs, music and loads of spiritual messages to inspire attendees. Excerpts:_ 

 Kindly introduce yourself

My name is Omolola Owoeye but you just call me Loolla! I’m a gospel and motivational singer, and will de­scribe myself as an upcoming artist but moving up steadily on the lad­der of glory, fame and stardom. You might see me and think I’m all posh and proper, but get closer and you’ll see I’m as “razz” as they come! My English is full-on Yoruba style – you’ll catch me saying things like “come and be going” and I won’t even blink! No pretending here – what you see is what you get! With a heart for the gos­pel and uplifting music, I, Loolla, I’m not just another singer – but a voice of inspiration whose journey keeps rising toward her God-given purpose. While I’m growing, my path is steadi­ly unfolding into one of true purpose and fulfillment.

 How do you feel about attaining the Age of Forty?

Let’s be real – hitting 40 is a big deal, especially in today’s crazy world! With everything happening around us from wars to elections, I’m super grateful to reach this milestone, and I want to celebrate it in style! Do you know what makes 40 even more spe­cial? It keeps popping up in the Bible – like David, Eli and Deborah reigned for 40 years, Moses and Jesus fasted 40 days, Noah’s 40 days and nights of rain, and the Israelites’ 40-year jour­ney to the Promised Land. This signi­fies how God walks with us through hard times, helping us even when we’ve made mistakes, and shows us we can count on Him to fight our battles. These challenging seasons aren’t just tests – they’re prepara­tion, shaping us for the important roles He has planned for us in the future. 40 signifies new life, growth, and transformation. Whoever said “a fool at forty is a fool forever” clearly wasn’t talking about me! If 40 was supposed to be scary, I totally missed that memo. Sure, I was a bit nervous at first but now that I’m here? I feel like I’m 26! (Okay, maybe 16 – 40 is the new 16, right?) Let me tell you some­thing funny – the things I used to ar­gue about with my husband in my 30’s now make me laugh. Back then, whew! I had a comeback for every­thing. Poor man couldn’t win an argu­ment with me! I’ve learned however to just let things slide. Who has time for drama? These days, when respon­sibilities come knocking, instead of running (and trust me, I used to be an Olympic champion at dodging them), I’m like “Lola, we move!” Right now, I am all about increasing my peace, maximizing my energy, and eliminat­ing all negativity.

 How are you planning to celebrate your Birthday?

I will be putting the drums to­gether to appreciate my creator, for sparing my life, my family and the grace to witness the new age. To­wards this, I’m asking you and the general public to come and celebrate with me on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Kulturyard, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja Lagos. I will be holding a birth­day concert, tagged: EWL40 that will also include an Album Launch! The event is expected to start by 6pm, expected to feature amazing music, high energy, and some brand-new songs from yours me. And guess what? The tickets are FREE! Those interested in attending can apply for seat reservation online to enable us make ample preparations to properly host everyone coming.

 Looking back, what will you be grate­ful for at 40?

First off, I remain thankful to God for life – every new day is a blessing!

I have a Grateful Heart as I look back; there is so much to be thankful for: I’m grateful for life and the privi­lege of seeing another milestone.

My parents, especially my mom, I’ve finally realized what it means to be called “mummy.” The job descrip­tion never ends! I still call her for help at 40! My past experiences with all its stories and lessons, my gift of writing and singing, notwithstanding.” The wonderful people God has placed in my life – siblings, friends, neighbors, and most of all, my husband Busuyi, who’s more like my rock, pushing me to be better even when I’m telling him, “Oga, don’t stress me into depression – but seriously, Busuyi, thank you for allowing me to be myself.”

 What is next for you?

Now that I’m hitting 40, I’m focus­ing on staying healthy, growing closer to God, loving my family more, and hopefully making the world a tiny bit better along the way. I’ll prioritise physical and mental health. Explor­ing new interests and continuing per­sonal development, hoping to build a stronger relationship with God, while deepening connections with her fam­ily and loved ones. I also have plans to lay the foundation for the legacy I want to leave behind, by making an impact in my family, community and the World at large. No dream too old or too late to chase – everything is unfolding now.