Draft:Wole Sentimenta

Wole Sentimenta
Mayowa Oluwole Olukayode, known as Wole Sentimenta, was born on July 26, 1983, into the esteemed family of Chief Samuel Ayilara Mayowa in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. He attended St. Dominic High School in Akure, Ondo State, where his musical journey began at the age of 11 in the choir of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Kings Parish.

Wole's musical talent became evident during his time in secondary school, where he joined the gospel band "The Soul Fishers" in Akure. At just 13 years old, he wrote his first Afro-centric gospel song titled 'I GO SING' and received recognition as the Best Youngest African Gospel artist at the Fetshiter Music Festival held in Lagos in 1997. Despite his dedication to music, Wole pursued higher education in Mass Communication at The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State, honing his communication skills while nurturing his passion for music.

Professional Career
In 2004, Wole relocated to Lagos, Nigeria's music industry hub, where he formed his band, Da Uptimist, dedicated to Afro, Jazz, and High-Life music. The name "Sentimenta" was bestowed upon him during a church event in 2006, symbolizing his emotional connection to music.

In 2010, Wole showcased his musical versatility with the release of a promotional album featuring tracks like "Like David" and "Maromipin", despite distribution challenges, earning praise for its innovative sound. Transitioning to secular music in 2011, Wole embarked on new creative ventures, culminating in the organization of his show, Africanna Nite in 2012, which cemented his reputation as a dynamic performer.

Expanding his artistic horizons, Wole collaborated with international artists, notably the French-based band BLACK BAZAR in 2013 on the track "SWEET HOME" which garnered international acclaim.

Wole's exceptional talent caught the attention of "Sociallycued-pro International" in Texas, USA, ultimately leading to a record deal with Tate Music Group in Oklahoma. His debut album, released on June 3, 2014, featured tracks like "Owuro yii" and "Celebrate," highlighting his evolving musical style.

Throughout his career, Wole has graced prestigious stages such as the annual celebration of the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti at the Felabration Festival and the Lagos International Jazz Festival in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Additionally, Wole hosted his annual live concert titled 'Sentimellogroove ' in 2016, captivating audiences with his original African blend of Afrobeats, Jazz, and High Life music.

Legacy
Beyond his musical endeavors, Wole is deeply passionate about giving back to his community. He travels on tour with charity organizations across African countries, using his music as a tool for positive change and empowerment.

Wole Sentimenta's journey exemplifies the transformative power of music, uniting audiences and transcending cultural barriers. With his soulful melodies and uplifting rhythms, Wole continues to inspire listeners worldwide, leaving an enduring legacy in the global music landscape.