You thought the era of the triple threat had passed. Well, guess who’s bringing it back?

V. Abiola Lepe is a multi-dimensional performer whose versatility has taken her career in many directions. Abiola was born in Nigeria, raised in England, and resided on both coasts before settling in Minnesota. This has given her a diverse and eclectic experience as an artist. She finds joy in exploring the many genres and facets of her three foremost talents. From the soaring notes of opera to the reverence of gospel to the passion of jazz and blues to the vulnerability of the spoken word, Abiola’s voice rises to every note and every occasion. Her theatrical range runs the gamut from the classical drama of the Greeks and Shakespeare to the hi-jinks of musical theatre……But all jokes aside, it’s not all fun and games.  She is a firm believer that, to whom much is given, much is required. This, and the belief that creative voices have the power to change the world through art, have led Abiola on an interesting path. She has always striven to not only pay verbal homage to the philosophy of service, but to live it. She was a beneficiary of TRIO programming organizations that furnish at-risk, low-income, and first-generation youth with tools of upward mobility through education. Because of programs such as this, Abiola did not fall through the proverbial cracks in the system. Since then, she has worked for, volunteered with, and interned at numerous organizations that serve as a bridge over the cracks and as a hand up to those who have fallen. The power of art to influence people and to bring them joy is astounding. 

I want to be part of something that truly matters. As cliché as it may sound, I truly believe that living life without being passionately involved in it is not truly living. Thoreau said that we should “suck the very marrow out of life,” and I agree wholeheartedly. —Abiola Lepe