When Ayinla Omowura,one of the greatest apala musicians and composers in history of Nigeria died in 1980, little did his fans around the world know that his several compositions would linger on for decades.
Omowura’s style is unique and yet to be met because new generations of apala musicians have continued to interpret and build on his compositions and that of late Haruna Ishola.
People leave with time but Ayinla Omowura lyrics has continually passed the test of time. In the present music world, such an icon is expected to be celebrated annually so that the new generation musicians will be familiar with the tunes of the legends that paved the way for them.
Apala music being one of the most revered brands in Yoruba Nation, is adopted by the daughter of the late Apala Lord,Alimot Shadia Omowura. Alimot did not find it easy in the music at start but she headed on in spite of difficulties and she formed a formidable force to reckon with in the apala world.
According to her, “It is not easy for young musicians to get into the professional circle especially with my brand of music but I was able to stand on my feet with the help of the likes of General Killington Ayinla, Alhaj Musiliu Ishola,Alhaj Shefiu Alao and others but once i get accepted,I always do everything possible to fit in and also maintain my brand”.
Alimot further explain that, her father’s fans all over the world keep asking for when Ayinla Omowura will be immortalize ‘They want me to organize annual show for my father where his members all over the world would celebrate him and that is how I come about ‘Ayinla Omowura Day’ although the family members has been celebrating his remembrance annually but the one we are planning will give room to his fans to participate.
The event which Shadia said will come up on 31st of August, will project Oganla of Fuji,Alh Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Alh. Shefiu Alao to Ayinla Omowura fans at the NYSC camp,Iyana Ipaja where Ankara will be the gate pass.
To sign off Shadia said, it will be a great privilege to see General Killington Ayinla, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma perform live with Shefiu alao although, music is now easily accessible via the Internet but the experience of live performances is still second to none, and luckily we shall have full house performances that day,” She said.