Sola Akingbola Biography: Age, Net Worth, Career, Albums, Height, Parents, Wife, Children, Awards

Sola Akingbola is a percussionist, composer, and musician who rose to prominence as a core member of the Grammy Award-winning band Jamiroquai. He first gained widespread recognition through his dynamic contributions as the group’s long-standing percussionist, performing across global tours and studio albums.

In addition to his work with Jamiroquai, he established himself as a respected composer for theatre and television, notably contributing original scores for productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the hit sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola.

Sola Akingbola
Wiki Facts & About Data
Name:	Sola Akingbola
Born:	August 2, 1965 (age 60 years old)
Place of Birth:	Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality:	Nigerian and British
Ethnicity:	Yoruba
Religion:	Christian
Parents:	Akin Akingbola and Eunice Akingbola
Siblings:	Segun Akingbola, Jimmy Akingbola, and Morounke Akingbola
Spouse:	Gillian Evans
Relationship:	Married
Children:	Fola Evans-Akingbola
Occupation:	Musician, percussionist, and composer
Net Worth:	$1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Sola Akingbola is now at the age of 60 years old was born on August 2, 1965. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and later relocated with his family to London in the United Kingdom during his early childhood. Growing up in a culturally rich Yoruba household, he was exposed to traditional rhythms and music while also immersing himself in the diverse musical landscape of London.

During his youth, he became actively involved in the city’s rare groove and club scene, initially working as a dancer and DJ. Rather than pursuing a conventional university path, he focused on developing his musical abilities. His artistic direction was significantly shaped after meeting Nigerian percussionist Gasper Lawal, who mentored him and introduced him to African hand drumming techniques and Yoruba rhythmic traditions.

Personal Life

Sola Akingbola is married to Gillian Evans, an English urban anthropologist and academic. The couple has a daughter, Fola Evans-Akingbola, who has built a successful career as an actress.

He maintains a relatively private personal life while balancing his professional commitments between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Over the years, he has experienced personal loss, including the passing of his parents and his brother Segun, events that have influenced his perspective on family and heritage.

Career

Sola Akingbola began his professional music career in the early 1990s, performing as a backing vocalist and percussionist for various jazz and funk groups. His major breakthrough came in 1995 when he joined the British acid jazz band Jamiroquai, where he became an integral member known for his distinctive percussion style. He toured internationally and contributed to multiple albums, maintaining a long-standing presence in the band.

Alongside his work with Jamiroquai, he pursued independent musical projects and developed a reputation as a composer. In 2007, he released his debut solo album Routes to Roots: Yoruba Drums From Nigeria, which highlighted traditional African percussion.

He later expanded into composing for stage and television, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company on productions such as Hamlet and Othello. His work reached a broader audience when he became the composer for the CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, which ran from 2019 to 2024.

In 2024 and 2025, he continued his solo career with the release of How Should I… projects, blending traditional Yoruba sounds with contemporary musical elements alongside his ensemble, The Eegun Rhapsodies.

Awards

• Independent Music Award for Best Video – Short Form (2015)
• BMI Film & TV Score Award for Bob Hearts Abishola (2021)

Net Worth

Sola Akingbola has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. His earnings are primarily derived from his long-term involvement with Jamiroquai, as well as his work as a composer for television and theatre productions. Additional income comes from solo music releases and performance royalties.

Social Media

• Instagram: @solaakingbola
• YouTube: @sola-akingbola

Filmography

• Jamiroquai: Live at Montreux 2003 (2003)
• Royal Shakespeare Company: Hamlet (2016)
• Untold Stories: Hair on Set (2023)

Discography

• Routes to Roots: Yoruba Drums From Nigeria (2007)
• Nigerian Beats (2018)
• How Should I… Part I (2024)