A new award scheme, the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA), has been launched to pay tribute to the memory of the late entertainment and showbiz reporter, Wale Olomu.
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This initiative, introduced by renowned journalist and talk show host Femi Akintunde-Johnson, who was once a colleague of Olomu in the early 1990s, is set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the late journalist’s passing.
Wale Olomu, the elder brother of London-based creative entrepreneur Dr. Dayo Olomu, tragically passed away in December 1994, just a month before his 31st birthday. He was a distinguished reporter at FAME Weekly, known for his remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment journalism.
In a series of social media posts, Femi Akintunde-Johnson, affectionately referred to as FAJ, announced that nominations are now open for the inaugural Wale Olomu Memorial Awards, which will take place between December 9 and 23, 2023, via a two-hour radio show on TopRadio 90.9 FM.
The awards will consist of two main categories: Special Recognition Awards (SRA) and Lifetime Achievement (LAA) Awards. Notably, these categories are not competitive and will not rely on traditional voting or selection processes. Instead, a dedicated Steering Committee will be responsible for reviewing the credentials and pedigrees of the nominated individuals, ultimately identifying the most deserving candidates for each category.
The primary criteria for Special Recognition Award nominees are individuals who have demonstrated immense talent, creativity, and significant contributions to the Nigerian music industry in various categories, having been active for a minimum of 10 years. The Lifetime Achievement Award category, on the other hand, will honor outstanding contributors aged 35 and above, regardless of their current location, provided they are genuine Nigerians.
The tentative categories for nominations include music producers, sound engineers, studio managers, music video editors, artiste managers, band managers, live show photographers, set designers, session men, backup vocalists, percussionists, disc/video jockeys, hype men/women, among others. This list is not exhaustive, and further categories may be considered.
The nomination process will remain open for submissions and contributions until the final moment of November 3, 2023.
The organizers of WOMA are inviting interested, dedicated, experienced, and reputable volunteers to join the small-sized Steering Committee. For inquiries and to get in touch with the coordinator, you can reach out through WhatsApp at 08033150547 or via email at waleolomu1994@gmail.com.
The WOMA aims to recognize and celebrate the outstanding talents and remarkable contributions of individuals within the Nigerian music industry, all while preserving the legacy of Wale Olomu, a remarkable figure in the world of entertainment journalism.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
