On Saturday, 21 December, 2024, the Nigerian entertainment industry will come alive as creativity and dedication take centre stage at the prestigious Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA). A highlight of this year’s event is the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to a pioneering studio owner, sound engineer, classical singer, and music archivist – recognizing decades of remarkable contributions to the growth of the industry.
In addition to this honour, Special Recognition Awards will be presented to deserving industry veterans, including a music show stage manager, an entertainment journalist, a concert MC and radio music presenter, as well as a radio station owner and veteran DJ. These awards spotlight individuals whose contributions have remained invaluable yet often overlooked.
This year’s ceremony, themed “Celebrating the Living, Hidden Gems of Nigerian Entertainment,” will take place live in the studio during the Vintage Talk Show on Top Radio 90.9FM. The show, anchored by veteran journalists Tokunbo Ojekunle and Femi Akintunde-Johnson, will air from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and be streamed simultaneously on YouTube and Facebook Live.
The build-up to WOMA 2024 began last Saturday with a thought-provoking roundtable discussion on Top Radio 90.9FM, featuring industry heavyweights Olúwaṣeun Ajasa and Mike Okri. Both guests paid heartfelt tributes to the late Wale Olomu, celebrated for his visionary talent in discovering and promoting hidden creative gems.
Ajasa, managing partner at Abraham, Thompsons & Co., encouraged struggling creatives to reconnect with the industry, emphasizing the importance of documenting their work and adapting to modern technology and trends. He remarked, “They need to find ways to reimagine their creations and align with today’s innovations to remain relevant.”
Echoing similar sentiments, US-based Mike Okri highlighted the need for a strong and credible union to support entertainment practitioners. “What we lack is a union that genuinely understands the struggles of artists and advocates for their welfare. Existing structures are more or less government extensions. We need a union that can identify members’ challenges and provide lasting solutions,” he asserted.
The Wale Olomu Memorial Awards continue to honour the legacy of its namesake, Wale Olomu, by celebrating excellence and drawing attention to the unsung heroes of Nigerian entertainment.
*For further inquiries, contact:*
Ayodele Lawal
Publisher, Pentouch Media & Media Adviser, WOMA 2024
08082477803 | [email protected]
