orlando owoh... hard times
If highlife maestro Orlando Owoh has provided some of the incidental music to your life, then you'd want to read this. And if you didn't know about the man, now is a good time as any to start. For these are trying times for the great highlife musician who has been playing since the 60s, and who deserves to be called one of Nigeria's greats. Now about 70 years of age, like all great artists who have served their time this musician should be sitting pretty, enjoying the fruits of his labour.
But Nigeria is not the best of places if you are an artist, and it's probably no exaggeration to say that, for Orlando Owoh, things have never been worse.
Orlando Owoh has been out of action for many months, having suffered two strokes in the space of one year. Money for much needed rehabilitation, recuperation and even daily upkeep is hard to come by. Even as concerned members of the Nigerian Arts Community - roused by the musician's plight - were getting on the starting blocks in an attempt to raise support for the man, they were thrown by the breaking news - that Owoh is now to also cope with bereavement. His wife has just died.
For Orlando Owoh, it doesn't rain; it pours. If you are one of those who thanks this musician for the memories, then spare a thought for him right now.
More updates will be provided as they become available.
Some Facts about Orlando Owoh
Singer, composer and guitarist, Orlando Owoh performs a certain style of music known as 'toye'. This highlife musician has stood by his genre of music, even through the boom of Juju music. He attracts an older audience that enjoys listening to his relaxing lyrics and music. His career began when fairly young, playing the bongos with The Fakunle Major Band in 1960. After spending three years fighting in the Nigerian Civil War, Owoh picked up his music career and formed his own band. Soon after, he and the band released their first popular song Oriki Ilu Oke. Later fashioned into 'Owoh and the Young Kenneries', the band is considered one of the best in Nigeria, with 40 LPs to their name.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Jahman Anikulapo.
posted by Wordsbody at 11:45 pm
23 Comments:
Can remember vividly, growing up in 9ja, my mums driver used to play Mr. Owoh's music and I loved it.
logba logba
Logba logba
laye o logba logba
logba logba, e rora o
Ah, the nostalgia.
Thanks for the memories, Dr Orlando Owoh.
E ma pe mi lorlando Owoh (Oh-woh)
tori Iwo ni won gbe bi mi
E ma pe mi lorlando Owoh (aw-waw)
tori Owo ni won gbe bi mi.
Beautiful music.
Molara, Thanks.
As i write this we have a team of journalists interviewing Orlando. Hopefully, the recording will be put on the national TV,to draw attention to his plight. Hopefully again, we just might be able to save this one legend. Jahman
Molara...
It would be good if someone could hold some sort of benefit night in his honour...That was one could actually contribute something! When its organised, please count me in!!!
I'm also a fan of the kenerries!!!
Orin di dun.
I am fan of Orlando Owoh since my driver plays it all the time being from the same region.
Hope the best for him !
my driver palys it all the time too
To the last 2 commentators, maybe your drivers play Orlando Owoh because his music allows them to feel like kings and not drivers. Think about that. I find your attempts to make Owoh's music seem like a lowly pastime offensive.
My late dad was a professor and he played Orlando Owoh's music all the time. Orlando is for everyone, high and low. So stuff your elitism in your back pockets and just have the grace to wish the man a speedy recovery without any 'buts'.
I am still waiting for another post...
My driver and I always enjoy this when travelling to Ondo on weekends. Heavy music. I love Dr Owoh.
http://odili.net/news/source/2006/apr/10/611.html
Is there a benefit fund somewhere contributions could be made to?
His music is one in a million...just like you are listening to one dreamy Oliver...
His music is one in a million...just like you are listening to one dreamy Oliver...
His music is one in a million...just like you are listening to one dreamy Oliver...
His music is outstanding and as commented by Afrofunkycool - "Is there a benefit fund somewhere contributions could be made to?" Anyway, your blog is excellent. Am one of your regular readers.
Afrofunkycool & Obokun,
Good Question. There are efforts being made in this regard. I will report back shortly on the same.
Thanks for your concern, all.
Molara
Yellow sisi sidon na corner
pushin' on her jaw
Yellow sisi sidon na corner
pushin' on her jaw
wetin cause di matter
what can you tell me
wetin cause di matter
what can you tell me
I'm 20-something years old, I don't have a driver, but I still feel Orlando. He's one of my favorites, He's unlike anyone in hi-life, and even beyond hi-life. His lyrics, his guitar licks, and his voice. I can't think of anyone else with that kind of voice in Naija music, he's reminiscent of Barry White.
I wish him a speedy recovery
Orlando Owoh is definitely one of the best. For me, he is the best. His music mostly being so philosophical, it is always so refreshing. I love this man so much. I used to go see him at Stadium hotel in those days.It will be great if those of us who appreciate him can do something for him.I wish him the very best and continue to pray for him. Sola
Orlando Owoh is definitely one of the best. For me, he is the best. His music mostly being so philosophical, it is always so refreshing. I love this man so much. I used to go see him at Stadium hotel in those days.It will be great if those of us who appreciate him can do something for him.I wish him the very best and continue to pray for him. Sola
.. Yinka Ayefele should cut-in-half all the money he has made from singing and send one half of it to Chief Olando Owoh. Especially now that Orlando is sick.
Ayefele has not sung a track without Orlando's line/s in it. Sometimes he sings a whole track - JUST Orlando verbatim.
.....Orlando Fans' Club - Dirty, dirty South (Atlanta)
What can I tell you, what can I tel you
Get well soon, get well soon.
I'm sat at home in Bournemouth chilling to the authentic sounds of The Prof of High Life himself. What more do you need on a lovely day like this, than to sip some GIN & TONIC with a slice of lemon whilst listening to the Greatest tunes ever. Prince Jimmy, The Duke of Fern Bank.
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