Hello, my name is Titi Babalola and I am Nigerian. Born and bred in Lagos, the industrial capital city of the country. I am from the Yoruba descent, Ijebuland to be prescise, which is the western part of Nigeria rich in traditional and cultural heritage embodied in the way of life, food, dressing, relationships and so much more.
Though the Yorubas are known for their traditional religion, I grew up in a Christian home with my family observing prayers every morning and going to church on Sundays, sometimes for weekly Bible study depending on my parents’ work schedule - they were both teachers. I joined the choir in my early teens because of my love for music and thus began my music passion.
Over the years, I have learnt that Yorubas are different from any other part of Nigeria as we are said to exhibit pride, confidence and poise. Yorubas take particular interest in educating their children, no matter their level of education and/or status. Modern Yoruba parents will ensure that their children master the English Language even before Yoruba, which sometimes is not advantageous as the children end up not being able to master, speak or understand their mother tongue which is rich in so many ways from the different folklore to the proverbs and the many adages.
I have been in the UK for over 12 years now and I have come to understand that I cannot assume that it is ok to do or say the same thing I would say to a Yoruba man or woman to a British man or woman. I remember my sister, who has been in the UK longer than myself, return home one day and recounted her encounter while at the Town Centre. She said she witnessed an elderly woman tripped and almost fell. She quickly rushed to her side and said “sorry”, but the woman took offence asking her why she was saying sorry, after all it wasn’t my sister’s fault that she tripped. My sister was shocked because if the lady was Nigerian and/or Yoruba, not saying “sorry” would have been considered rude and uncaring. I have had my own fair of experiences similar to this and I have therefore resolved to watch before responding or reacting. You know the saying, “When in Rome…”? LOL
I mentioned earlier that I have a passion for music. I love to sing. I sing everywhere, every day and all the time. I have a masters in HR Management, but currently the Recovery College Administrator. Outside of work, I’m a recording artiste and my music genre is contemporary gospel. I sing at events though it’s been virtual since the pandemic. I miss going out and singing to live audiences. Music has been my go to especially during difficult times. It helps me affirm my faith as I sing inspiring, uplifting and motivating words from the Bible. I currently have an eleven track album in the market and working on new songs. I cannot imagine my life without music!
So in a nutshell, I’m Titi Babalola, a Nigerian Christian, Administrator, Singer/Songwriter and Gospel Recording Artiste…This is me!
A POEM OF LOVE - written by Titi Babalola
LOVE
First things first, LOVE!
God so loved the world that He gave
God demonstrated His love and He gave
LOVE! LOVE!! LOVE!!!
Love me not because I look like you
Love me not because I talk like you
Love me not because I feel like you
Love me because blood runs through me just like you
No one really cares how much you know
Everyone wants to know how much you care
Don’t just talk the talk
Please walk the walk
Don’t see my face, see my heart
It’s beating just like yours
Wanting a chance to beat
Choose to love me as you love you