[1] Kola was born on 20 August in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, but was of Yoruba background, the son of an itinerant police officer.
After moving from Iboland to Lagos, he attended Okota Community High School, a tough environment.
He was a successful amateur boxer as a teenager, but due to opposition to his pursuing this career from his father turned to music, singing and playing trumpet in his local church.
[2] He now plays an array of instruments including saxophone - soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, trumpet, flugel horn, and slide trombone.
On return to Nigeria he opened a cultural club for Art and Music in Opebi, Allen, Lagos.