As part of activities lined up to mark the 40th anniversary of the exit of an Apala icon, Alhaji Waidi Ayinla Omowura, an album titled ‘Anigilaje’ has been released in his honour.
The album was packaged by Professor Oyetola Oniwide, a University Don who is also the presenter of ‘Orin Apala’ on Family FM, Abeokuta.
It is a collaborative effort of the sensational Fuji star, Alhaji Sefiu Alao, an Apala singer and daughter of Ayinla Omowura, Queen Halimat Omowura, a surviving member of Omowura Band, Chief Sikiru Oyewole and a former member of the band, Alhaji Kemuye Ramoni.
Ayinla Omowura’s lead talking drummer, the 95-year- old legendary Alhaji Ramoni Adewole Oniluola spiced the record with his unique drumming dexterity.
With versatile Sefiu Alao taking the lead as vocalist, the 13- track Anigilaje features tracks like, ‘e je ka f’orin se ‘ranti’ where the late Apala maestro was eulogised for his contribution to the music industry. The trio of Oyewole, Halimat and Kemuye sang separate tracks like: ise ere, ka f’adura siwaju ohun gbogbo and others.
The immediate past governor of Ogun state, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was also appreciated in the album for his unprecedented effort to renovate the Itoko, Abeokuta residence of Omowura. The track ‘Amosun se bebe’ is a dedication to him.
Anigilaje also has a philosophical message of admonition for Nigerians. It cautions the populace against being wasteful, especially in this period of austerity. ‘e ma f’ounje sofo’ delivered the message.
It will be recalled that Late Alhaji Ayinla Omowura was murdered by his estranged band manager, Fatai Bayewumi during a barroom brawl at Ago ‘ka Abeokuta on May 6,1980.
