The legend of Kennery highlife music, Dr. Orlando Owoh passed on last Tuesday at the age of 74.He died at the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he had since been on admission, following a long illness associated with stroke.
Born 74 years ago at Osogbo in Osun State to Jeremiah and Morenike Owomoyela,originally from Ifon town in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State,Orlando became a musician at 12, despite opposition from his parents.He had left Osogbo for Ilesha,in pursuit of better life prospects immediately he completed his eight-year apprenticeship under his father.
Armed with a Standard Six certificate,he returned to Osogbo where his budding musical talent caught the attention of renowned artiste,Kola Ogunmola who eventually invited him to Ibadan in preparation for the First All African Games in Dakar.He established his called Orlando Owoh and his Omimah Band in 1958.
His journey to stardom began with his debut album in 1960 under Decca Records. The first album,Oluwa Lo Ran Mi was followed by another successful one; Alantere Ijo Oyege.This album put him on a better footing.His music, a fusion of highlife and juju,has recorded over 45 albums,including titles like:Ganja I and II, Dele Giwa and Money for Hand Back for Ground,Jobs Experience,Logba-Logba,Kangaroo,Iyawo Olele,Money palaver,Tribute to Fela, among others
The Kennery Music king,was until his illness and eventual death,the toast of highlife lovers,owing to his romantic voice,philosophical lyrics and energetic stage performances.Members of the arts community have expressed sadness over the loss of the man they describe as a rare gem.
AFRICAN Film Awards also known as Afro Hollywood Awards will hold at the Indigo2 - O2arena in London on Wednesday November 12 with A - list actors and actresses from across the continent scheduled to receive honours.
Expected to top the list of recipients of this prestigious awards are actors and actresses from Nollywood,the third largest film industry in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood.
According to Mike Abiola,publisher of African Voice newspapers,organisers of African Film Awards,"Nollywood has come of age with over six Sky digital channels showing its films daily to over 16 European countries while over 12 African television stations rely on Nollywood for its content.It is time to announce the arrival of African Film at the centrestage.There is no better place to celebrate excellence in the African Film Industry than at the 02 Arena."
The organisers of the Awards noted, "Nollywood is uniting Africans and Caribbeans, it presents a good vehicle for corporate communication.Afro Hollywood Awards celebrating excellence in the film industry is a platform to exhibit new products and services."
Alistair Soyode,BEN Television's founder added, "the Afro Hollywood Awards over the years has been the platform and occasion where African movie icons and fans come together under one roof. It also provides the opportunity for the actors/actresses to know their works are highly appreciated with an excellence award. This is the icing on the cake for all African-oriented film enthusiasts."
While announcing the winners of this year's prestigious awards Abiola, who is the founder and CEO of Afro Hollywood, said, "the image of Africa is beginning to change in the minds of Europeans and amongst the Diaspora especially within the British Africans and Caribbean communities."
The African Film Awards is also a highlight of the growing film industry, music and dance in Africa
The event is structured to showcase and celebrate excellence in Africa's best film talents. Entertainment during the awards ceremony will feature performances from screen icons, cultural dances, musical performance and comedy.
Also expected at the event are African American actors as well as those from Ghana, South African and Senegal.
Some of the winners of this year's Africa's most prestigious film awards include Patience Ozokwor, Van Vicker, Uche Jombo, Yemi Solade, Saidi Balogun, Mike Ezuruonye, Yibo Koko, Lillian Amah - Aluko, Princess Adekoya and Faithia Balogun.
Award categories ranges from Best English Language Film Actor, Best English Language Film Actress, Best Crossover Actress, Best Artistes in supporting roles, Best Actor Native Language Films, Best Actress Native Language Films, Best Crossover Actress, Best Musical Act, Best Artiste (Comedy), Best Film Director (English Language and Native Language films) and Best Producer.
This red carpet event also has the support of Black British TV and screen personalities adding glitz and glamour to the occasion. It will witness the presentation of Africa's most prestigious film industry awards to deserving individuals and organisations.
Very important guests, including the general public are invited to come and experience spectacular out of Africa dance troupe, 50 most delectable, charming and angelic ladies on the 'runway' and UK's crame de crame in attendance to celebrate Africa's Film, arts and culture in the multicultural city of London.
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