By Oriyomi Uthman
Stephen Oladipupo Olaore Owomoyela, known as Orlando Owoh (14 February 1932 – 4 November 2008), was a celebrated Nigerian highlife musician and band leader of Yoruba origin. Born in Osogbo, Western Region, Nigeria, to Owomoyela and Mrs. Christiana Morenike Owomoyela, his father hailed from Ifon, Ondo State, while his mother was from Owo.
As a young man, Owoh initially ventured into the carpentry trade until 1958, when he was hired by Nigeria’s Kola Ogunmola Theatre Group to play drums and sing. Owoh went on to form Dr. Orlando Owoh and his Omimah Band in 1960, and over a musical career of forty years, he became one of the leading proponents of highlife music. With bands such as the Omimah Band and later the Young Kenneries and the African Kenneries International, Owoh remained popular in Nigeria, even as tastes shifted to the newer jùjú and fuji styles. He had over 45 albums to his credit. Orlando Owoh passed away on 4 November 2008 and was laid to rest at his Agege residence in Lagos, Nigeria.
Some of the albums released by Dr. Orlando Owoh include:
– Aiye Nyi Lo (Medley)
– Ajanaku Daraba
– Apartheid
– Asotito Aye
– Awa De
– Ayo Mi Sese Bere
– Cain ati Abel
– Easter Special
– E Ku Iroju
– E Get As E Be
– Emi Wa Wa Lowo Re
– Experience
– Ibaje Eniyan
– Igba Aye Noah
– Ire Loni
– I Say No
– Iwa l’Oluwa Nwo
– Iyawo Olele
– Jeka Sise
– Kennery De Ijo Ya
– Kose Mani
– Logba Logba
– Ma Wo Mi Roro
– Message
– Mo Juba Agba
Which of his songs did you enjoy?
