In a celebration of excellence and innovation, the highly anticipated Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA) have unveiled the first set of distinguished recipients. These honourees stand as beacons of achievement in diverse segments of the entertainment industry, each making an indelible mark on their respective calling.
From ground-breaking contributions in artists’ management to transformative strides in production, the recipients epitomise the spirit of creativity and dedication. WOMA not only recognises individual accomplishments but also serves as a collective nod to the power of selflessness, perseverance, and ingenuity.
The recipients are those silent but hardworking professionals that the klieg lights of showbusiness often miss, especially the non-fame seekers who would rather that their works speak for them. They embody the Wale Olomu reportorial foray – the very people that his enigma was fond of unearthing during Wale’s career in journalism.
Join us in applauding these trailblazers whose impact resonates far beyond the confines of their achievements, shaping the future landscape of the entertainment industry.
The second and final phases of the awards and Round Table panel discussion take place respectively on Saturdays 16th and 23rd December.
Now introducing the first set of honourees…all in the Special Recognition Award (SRA) category
ZUBBY ENEBELI
Zubby Enebeli, also known as Azubuike Emmanuel Enebeli, is a multifaceted talent – an accomplished musician, artist, 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.
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 artists 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 artists 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.
MIKE NLIAM
Mike Nliam, an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, holds a degree in Agriculture and a certificate in Film and 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 to 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.
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 artists 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.
CREDITS
By Franklyn Frantos Snr, with citations and graphics from the WOMA Steering Committee
© Feferity Media Group
London, UK 2023