Dr Orlando Owoh was a Nigerian musician, singer, and bandleader who was one of the most influential figures in the history of African music. Born Stephen Oladipupo Olaore Owomoyela on February 14, 1932, in Osogbo, Nigeria, he was the son of a Yoruba chief and grew up in a musical family. His father was a well-known traditional drummer, and Orlando started playing the drums at a young age.
At the age of 21, Orlando left home to pursue a career in music, and he soon became one of the most sought-after musicians in Nigeria. He formed his own band, Kenneries Beats International, and began recording music in the late 1950s. He quickly became known for his unique style of music, which he called Toye, and which blended traditional Yoruba rhythms with Western influences.
Orlando released his first album, “Ori Mi Eleda Mi” in 1960, and went on to release over 40 more albums over the course of his career. He was a prolific songwriter, and many of his songs dealt with social and political issues facing Nigeria at the time.
Orlando’s music was popular not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa and around the world. He toured extensively, playing to sold-out crowds in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He was particularly popular in the United States, where he performed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and other venues.
List of Orlando Owoh best-selling songs include:
- Iyawo Olele
- Logba Logba
- E Get As E Be
- Money For Hand, Back For Ground
- Late Dele Giwa
- Mawo Mi Roro
- Kose Mani Kose Baba
- E Get As E Go Be
- No Money No Love
- Oduduwa
- Kangaroo
In addition to his music career, Orlando was also a successful businessman. He owned several nightclubs and hotels in Nigeria and was known for his generosity and philanthropy. He was a devout Muslim and was known for his charitable works, including building mosques and schools in his hometown of Osogbo.
Orlando was married and had several children. His son, Orlando Julius, is also a musician and was a member of his father’s band. Orlando passed away on November 4, 2008, at the age of 76, after a long illness.
Throughout his career, Orlando Owoh was recognized for his contributions to African music. He received numerous awards, including the Order of the Niger, one of Nigeria’s highest honors, and was inducted into the Afro-Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005.
Orlando’s music continues to be popular today and has influenced generations of musicians. His unique style of Toye music, which blended traditional African rhythms with Western influences, helped to shape the sound of African music for decades to come. His legacy as a master musician and bandleader lives on and continues to inspire musicians around the world.
In terms of his education, there is no specific information available on Orlando’s formal education. However, growing up in a musical family and having a father who was a traditional drummer likely played a significant role in his musical development.
Orlando’s net worth is also not known, as he lived at a time when the music industry was not as financially lucrative as it is today. However, his success as a musician and businessman is a testament to his talent and entrepreneurial spirit.