Lola Rae – Watch My Ting Go
| Stage Name: | Lola Rae |
| Real Name: | Rachel Akosua Funmilola Garton |
| Occupation: | Artist |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 20th January 1991 (34 years old) |
| State of Origin: | British Ghanaian |
| Gender: | Female |
| Nationality: | British |
| Marital Status: | Nil |
| Education: | Nil |
| Known for: | Watch My Ting Go |
Early Life
Lola Rae, born Rachel Akosua Funmilola Garton on January 20, 1991, is a Ghanaian singer with a British father and a Ghanaian mother. She was born in Obalende, a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria, and spent her early years there. Lola Rae’s parents raised her in Lagos until she moved to England at the age of 15 to pursue her education. This move would prove to be a significant turning point in her life, as it exposed her to new cultures and opportunities that would shape her future in the music industry.
Growing up in Lagos, Lola Rae was surrounded by the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats, Highlife, and other genres of music that are popular in West Africa. Her parents, who were both music lovers, encouraged her to explore her creativity and develop her talent. She started singing in her church choir and performing in school talent shows, where she discovered her passion for music.
Educational Background
Lola Rae attended St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, and Lekki British International High School, Lagos, for her primary and secondary education, respectively. These schools provided her with a solid foundation in academics and helped her develop important skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
After completing her secondary education, Lola Rae moved to England to pursue higher education. She studied fashion textiles at Central Saint Martins, a prestigious art school in London. This decision may seem unrelated to music, but it actually helped her develop skills that would benefit her music career. Studying fashion textiles taught her about creativity, attention to detail, and how to bring ideas to life. These skills would later be applied to her music, music videos, and overall brand.
Career
Lola Rae’s entertainment career began as a dancer when she joined the dancing group “Mystikal” in 2010. Mystikal Dancing Group auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, where Rae sang in the competition, and judge Simon Cowell singled out the group at the semi-final. At the end of the competition, the group was signed to Syco for a year. This experience exposed her to the music industry and taught her valuable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and dedication.
However, Rae turned down an invitation to The X Factor to pursue a solo career as a singer. This decision was a turning point in her career, as it allowed her to focus on her music and develop her unique sound. She released her debut hit single “Watch My Ting Go” on November 19, 2012, which received critical acclaim and earned her a nomination for the Most Promising Female Act to Watch at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
The success of “Watch My Ting Go” led to a follow-up single titled “High.” She was also nominated for the Most Gifted Newcomer award at the 2013 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards for “Watch My Ting Go.” These nominations were a testament to her hard work and talent, and they helped establish her as a rising star in the music industry.
Lola Rae featured Iyanya on a song titled “Fi Mi Le,” which earned her another nomination at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. She made a cameo appearance as Ice Prince’s love interest in the music video for his song “More.” These collaborations demonstrated her ability to work with other artists and create hits that resonated with fans.
Personal Life
In May 2018, Rae gave birth to a daughter. This new role as a mother has brought her immense joy and fulfillment. She has been open about the challenges of balancing motherhood and her music career, but she is determined to succeed and be a positive role model for her child.
Discography
Lola Rae has released several singles, including “Watch My Ting Go,” “High,” “Fi Mi Le,” “She Knows He Knows,” “You Know What My Name Is,” “One Time,” and others. She has also featured on songs with other artists, such as “Ginger” by BOJ, “Coupe Bibamba (Remix)” by Awilo Longomba, and “Africa Rising” by Davido, Tiwa Savage, and others.
Her music is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that often focus on love, relationships, and empowerment. Her unique sound has captivated fans across Africa and beyond, and she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible for African artists.
Awards and Nominations
Lola Rae has been nominated for several awards, including:
- Most Promising Female Act to Watch at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards
- Most Gifted Newcomer at the 2013 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards
- Diaspora Artist of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Net Worth
Lola Rae’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, accumulated through her successful music career, endorsement deals, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Controversies
Lola Rae has faced controversies surrounding her personal life and career. In 2015, she was involved in a publicized feud with fellow Nigerian singer, Seyi Shay, over a disputed songwriting credit. The issue was eventually resolved, but not before gaining significant media attention. Lola Rae has also faced criticism for her decision to relocate to Nigeria, with some fans accusing her of abandoning her UK roots. However, she has consistently expressed her pride in her Nigerian heritage and her desire to contribute to the growth of the Afrobeats genre.
Net Worth
Her net worth is currently unknown at the time of writing this. You can find her on Instagram.
