As the second leg of the three-part series of Wale Olomu Memorial Awards and Roundtable (WOMA-R) comes on air this Saturday, 16 December, 2023 on TopRadio 90.9 FM, the Steering Committee, led by Tokunbo Ojekunle, has unveiled the first set of WOMA awardees. The inaugural on-air award ceremony held last Saturday (9 Dec.) had the following enthusiastically receiving the WOMA Special Recognition Awards (SRA): Zubby Enebeli (in backup vocals), Amos McRoy (instrumentation), Kayode Samuel (artiste management) and Mike Nliam (movie soundtracks).
According to Ojekunle, the next WOMA presentations on the two-hour ‘The Vintage Talkshow’ programme continue this Saturday (16 Dec.) with six SRAs and one Lifetime Achievement Award, apart from the Roundtable Chats.
The last chat had Chief Tony Okoroji fielding questions from the US on artistes relationships with music labels, and the challenges of collecting royalties from digital sources.
This week’s Roundtable discussants are: Mr. Obi Asika (music label owner, and co-founder of Social Media Week Lagos); Daddy Fresh (award-winning dancehall ace, and entertainment activist); and Mr. Kayode Samuel (well-travelled music promoter, producer, artiste manager, songwriter, and filmmaker).
The WOMA moments would be broadcast live on TopRadio 90.9 FM and simultaneously via Facebook, YouTube and Zoom platforms; while efforts are ongoing to increase the broadcast spectrum and coverage.
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WOMA Media Committee
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ABOUT THE FIRST SET OF AWARDEES:
ZUBBY ENEBELI:
Zubby Enebeli, also known as Azubuike Emmanuel Enebeli, is a multifaceted talent – an accomplished musician, artiste, and politician. His musical journey began as the lead backup singer for Onyeka Onwenu in the renowned Kabassa Band from 1988 to 1992. Zubby, with his remarkable vocal prowess, won the Lekki Sunsplash talent hunt in 1991. As a member of the ZAP SQUAD, a standout studio backup group, Zubby played a pivotal role in numerous Lemmy Jackson productions.
His musical legacy is underscored by a discography spanning eight albums, each a testament to his artistic evolution. From the inaugural “Be Strong” in 1993 to the recent “All Glory to the Lord” in 2022, Zubby’s musical prowess has consistently resonated. Beyond the stage, he has found balance in family life, being a devoted husband and father of four, while making Lagos his home. Zubby Enebeli’s journey is not just a musical odyssey; it’s a testament to resilience, growth, and an enduring commitment to artistic excellence.
For these and more, the WOMA Steering Committee awards ZUBBY ENEBELI the distinguished certificate of a SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD – in Session Backup Vocalisation.
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AMOS MCROY:
Amos McRoy (formerly known and addressed as Amos McRoy Jegg) is a versatile figure excelling in the musical realm locally, as well as globally. A seasoned performing musician, songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, and producer. His extensive body of work spans over four decades, and includes collaborations with renowned artists across diverse genres.
As a prolific producer and outstanding bass guitarist, McRoy has significantly contributed to seminal albums such as “Jah Give I Rest” by The Sojourners (1986), “Abandoned Nation” by Bob Dazzy (1986), and “Prisoner of Conscience” by Majek Fashek (1988). His influence extends to international collaborations, as seen in his work with Lester Lewis, a Jamaican Gospel artiste, in 2011.
McRoy’s notable performances at major shows both within and outside Nigeria, including Lekki Sunsplash, Reggae Sunsplash and its tours in USA, Canada, Mexico, and Jamaica as well as the Arts and Culture Festival in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire (between 1988 and 1993) reflect his enduring impact.
Also noteworthy is his participation alongside iconic artistes around the world, solidifying his status as a key figure in the music industry. These include Fela Anikulapo Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Burning Spear, Sonny Okosuns, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Onyeka Onwenu, Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono, and Marcia Griffiths.
Jegg has also performed with bands and artistes such as Third World, King Yellow Man, U-Roy, Shabba Ranks, Maxi Priest, Hughes Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Alpha Blondy. Others are Lucky Dube, Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, Freddie McGregor, and Mighty Sparrow.
For these and more, the WOMA Steering Committee awards AMOS MCROY the distinguished certificate of a SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD – in Session Instrumentation.
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MIKE NLIAM:
Mike Nliam, an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, holds a degree in Agriculture and a certificate in Film & Television production from the University of California, Los Angeles. A luminary in the early days of Nollywood, Mike’s prolific career spans over 300 movies, where he showcased his talent as a songwriter and soundtrack maker.
Notable works include soundtracks for classics like “Nneka the Pretty Serpent,” “Tears for Love,” and “Glamour Girls.” Beyond songwriting, he delved into movie production, collaborating with industry stalwarts like Chico Ejiro and Zik Okafor, producing over 20 films.
As a line producer for the successful TV series “Deceptive Measures,” produced by Zee Factory of Bombay, Nliam demonstrated his versatile expertise. His contributions extend to the main music realm, being one half of the duo Safari, producing hits like “One Day Ego Better” and “Yaapa.”
Nliam has an impressive portfolio of movie and TV productions, encompassing titles such as “Silent Night,” “Nightmare,” “Dead End,” “Unforgettable,” “Fugitive,” “Face of A Liar,” “Player Numba 10,” “Deceptive Measures,” “Blood Diamonds,” and “Assassin’s Practice,” among others.
In the realm of TV series, he has made significant contributions with productions like “Oasis,” “Akpos & Company,” and “Mr Wonderful.” This extensive body of work reflects Mike’s diverse expertise and creative contributions to both the big and small screens.
For these and more, the WOMA Steering Committee awards MIKE NLIAM the distinguished certificate of a SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD – in Movie Soundtracks.
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KAYODE SAMUEL:
Kayode Samuel, a versatile cultural ambassador, studied Film Production at Overseas Film/Television Production, Goldsmith College, London. His diverse career includes roles as an Assistant Director/Assistant Editor on Channel 4’s documentary about black miners in Britain, and working in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express.
Inspired by his West End experience, he founded ‘Ile Agbasaga’ in Osogbo, a hub supporting writers, artists, and music productions. In the ’90s, Samuel signed to Chrysalis Music, contributing to projects like the ‘Nigeria 70’ compilation album and the Ali movie with Will Smith.
Managing percussion icon Tony Allen for seven years, he facilitated collaborations with Damon Albarn, fostering the rise of Afrobeats in European clubs. As the founder of Ekostar Music, Samuel released albums for Nigerian artistes and pioneered re-issues of ’70s psychedelic music.
He is the author of the upcoming book ‘Lagos 70: The Evolution of Lagos/70’s Music.’ Honoured as Agbasaga of Ila Orangun, Kayode Samuel continues to shape and celebrate Nigeria’s cultural narrative.
For these and more, the WOMA Steering Committee awards KAYODE SAMUEL the distinguished certificate of a SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD – in Artiste Management.
