Wale Olomu Memorial Awards - WOMA

Wale Olomu Memorial Awards - WOMA WOMA is in memory of an enterprising reporter & editor who had an uncommon reportorial philosophy.

The Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA) is set up in the memory of a young Nigerian journalist who, until his death at the age of 30 in 1994, embraced with a crusading tenacity the reportorial philosophy that was uncommon and remarkable amongst his peers. His philosophy was driven by a fervent desire to unearth, appreciate and promote the works and efforts of people least recognised nor appreciated

by the vast majority of the Nigerian entertainment reportorial corps of his day. Wale Olomu was a remarkably diligent, enterprising and energetic entertainment reporter and editor who worked with the Daily Times, Republic Newspapers, Vintage People and FAME weekly magazines between 1986 and 22 December, 1994, when he transited, after a brief illness. WOMA is a non-competitive reward concept which has set for itself a rigorous process of identifying, selecting and recognising the immeasurable and inspirational dedication, expertise and talents of men and women who have devoted decades to the enthronement of positive and aspirational values and legacies in the Nigerian music industry. Awards are presented in two broad categories: Lifetime Achievement Awards & Special Recognition Awards.

WOMA 2025 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDEE - 3EFE OMOROGBETalent Manager, Creative Strategist, Cultural Builder & Industry Ch...
26/01/2026

WOMA 2025 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDEE - 3

EFE OMOROGBE

Talent Manager, Creative Strategist, Cultural Builder & Industry Champion

Efe Omorogbe stands as one of the most transformative figures in modern Nigerian entertainment - a manager, creator, strategist and cultural advocate whose work has shaped the sound, structure and success of contemporary music over the last three decades. From talent development and A&R to media, live production, and creative leadership, he has become a defining force in the evolution of the Nigerian music ecosystem.

His journey began in entertainment journalism, where his sharp editorial voice at Hip-Hop World magazine and Global Sounds helped document a rising generation. This foundation gave way to a visionary career in talent management through Now Muzik, guiding and elevating the careers of major acts including 2Baba, Sunny Neji, Timi Dakolo, Seyi Shay, Paul Play, Mr Raw, Ruggedman, Niyola, J Martins, and the late Sound Sultan.

A gifted writer and creative collaborator, Efe shares credits on several celebrated 2Baba works such as “Spiritual Healing,” “Dance in the Rain,” “We Must Groove,” and “Opo.”  As co-founder of Hypertek Digital/960 Music Group and founder of Buckwyld Media Network, he has delivered landmark concerts, campaigns, films and cultural showcases, while contributing significantly to AFRIMA’s creative vision.

For his visionary leadership, cultural impact and unwavering commitment to building Nigeria’s creative future, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly presents the Special Recognition Award to EFE OMOROGBE.

WOMA 2025 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDEE - 2KORIKIMABASI SAM UQUAH JNR Musician, Composer, Theatre Producer & EducatorKorik...
22/01/2026

WOMA 2025 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDEE - 2

KORIKIMABASI SAM UQUAH JNR
Musician, Composer, Theatre Producer & Educator

Korikimabasi Sam Uquah Jnr is a distinguished Nigerian musician, composer, and theatre producer whose work has profoundly shaped the country’s creative landscape. With a career spanning decades, he has seamlessly blended music, theatre, and storytelling to create captivating performances that celebrate African heritage.

As a pianist, bandleader, and music director, Sam has collaborated with legendary artists including Mike Okri, Onyeka Onwenu, Daniel Wilson, and the Steve Rhodes Orchestra, while also mentoring emerging musicians and performers. He is the founder and director of Ndido Theatre, where he has produced original musicals and spoken-word theatre productions, including A Touch of Magic and Nearly Can Kill a Bird, staged internationally in London and Milton Keynes.

His expertise extends to music production, audio theatre, playwriting, and jingle composition, making him a versatile force in Nigerian arts. Through his work, Sam has educated artists on intellectual property, developed performance skills, and elevated the standards of musical and theatre production.
For his visionary leadership, enduring contributions, and unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly presents the Special Recognition Award to SAM UQUAH JNR.

WOMA 2025 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDEE - 1MERCY ADISHI Veteran Musician, Mentor & Pioneer for Women in MusicMercy Adishi ...
20/01/2026

WOMA 2025 SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDEE - 1

MERCY ADISHI

Veteran Musician, Mentor & Pioneer for Women in Music

Mercy Adishi is a distinguished Nigerian musician whose career spans over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s music industry. With four acclaimed albums - Cherish (1991), Reparation (1993), My Time (2003), and African Queen (2012) - her artistry combines passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her album Reparation earned her the FAME Music Awards 1994 - Most Outstanding Singer of the Year, cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s leading voices.

Beyond her recordings, Mercy has been a trailblazer for women in the music industry. She founded the Female Musicians Association of Nigeria (FEMAN), the female wing of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), and served as the first female National Treasurer of PMAN during Femi Lasode’s tenure. Her work backstage as a backup singer for legends such as Onyeka Onwenu, Sonny Okosun, Majek Fashek, and Mike Okri, as well as performances in Nigeria’s premier hotels, showcases her versatility and dedication to her craft.

For her pioneering leadership, enduring contributions to Nigerian music, and commitment to nurturing talent, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly presents the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD to MERCY ADISHI.

WOMA 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE - 2EMMA OGOSISinger, Guitarist, Composer, Band Leader & Pioneer of Modern Nigeria...
18/01/2026

WOMA 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE - 2

EMMA OGOSI

Singer, Guitarist, Composer, Band Leader & Pioneer of Modern Nigerian Music

Emma Ogosi stands among the foundational pillars of contemporary Nigerian music - a guitarist, singer, composer, producer and cultural forerunner whose artistry has spanned more than five decades. Born in 1942, his journey began far from the stage, first as an Air Force trainee and aircraft engineer in Germany, where he discovered the guitar and embraced the musical influences that shaped his creative voice - from Emmanuel Ntia and I.K. Dairo to Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Roy Chicago.

By the late 1960s, Emma had become a force in Nigeria’s emerging pop and highlife scene, performing with groups such as Water Babies, The Reasons, The Expensives, POGO Limited and Kosmic 3 - while also contributing as a pioneer producer with Midwest Television (now NTA Benin). His solo career blossomed in the 1980s with acclaimed albums including Nobody Knows, It’s Not Easy, Sweet Love and Weekend Show, works that blended country, highlife, Afro-funk and heartfelt storytelling.

A nation-builder at heart, he served as the first Secretary-General of PMAN, helping to organise and advocate for musicians during a critical era. He also discovered and nurtured outstanding talents, most famously reggae star Evi-Edna Ogholi.
Even in his eighties, Emma Ogosi remains an active creative spirit, releasing new works such as Osinanga (2022) and Senyiwa, proving that true artistry never retires.

For his visionary leadership, cultural impact and unwavering commitment to building Nigeria’s creative future, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to EMMA OGOSI.

WOMA 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE - 1BLACKMAN AKEEB KAREEMSinger, Composer, Guitarist, Broadcaster & Custodian of Y...
16/01/2026

WOMA 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE - 1

BLACKMAN AKEEB KAREEM

Singer, Composer, Guitarist, Broadcaster & Custodian of Yoruba Cultural Heritage

Blackman Akeeb Kareem stands as one of the most enduring creative figures in modern Nigerian music - a singer, composer, guitarist, broadcaster and cultural storyteller whose work helped define the soundscape of the 1960s through the 1980s. Emerging at a time of artistic transition, he pioneered a distinctive blend of highlife, folk, Afro-pop and socially conscious music, long before such fusions gained mainstream popularity. His evocative voice, clear lyrical delivery and inventive rhythms - especially during his years with Decca West Africa - produced classics such as Ameboism, Ololufe and other unforgettable works that became cultural markers across generations.

A charismatic performer, he blended African and European expressions with disarming simplicity, earning a reputation as both an entertainer and a cultural ambassador. Beyond the stage, Akeeb Kareem became an influential media personality, using radio and television to spotlight emerging talents, promote Yoruba cultural identity and enrich national discourse through thoughtful commentary on art, society and heritage.

Now known as Michael Akeeb Kareem, he relocated to Europe in 1984 and today serves as a full-time evangelist, leading the Akeeb Kareem Media Ministries in London, where he continues to use music as a vehicle for inspiration and spiritual renewal.

For his visionary leadership, cultural impact and unwavering commitment to building Nigeria’s creative future, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Blackman Akeeb Kareem.

*Six Stars, One Stage: WOMA Roundtable Takes Over 13 December* -The 3rd Wale Olomu Memorial Awards and Roundtable (WOMA-...
12/12/2025

*Six Stars, One Stage: WOMA Roundtable Takes Over 13 December*
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The 3rd Wale Olomu Memorial Awards and Roundtable (WOMA-R) will host its 2025 Roundtable on Saturday, 13 December, featuring six leading creative voices in a vibrant discussion on “The Impact of Entertainment Reporting on Musical Careers: Our Views.” The session will examine how journalism, media lenses and cultural narratives shape the journeys of Nigerian musicians, past and present. Featured panellists include Wunmi Obe, Olumide Iyanda, Jide Taiwo, Aralola Olamuyiwa (Ara), Jimi Akinniyi (Jimi the Baldheaded Guy) and Afro-soul singer Kayefi Osha.
Airing live on TopRadio 90.9 FM, the Roundtable opens the two-weekend programme for WOMA 2025, themed “Unsung Legends Who Shaped Today’s Glory.” It leads into the Awards ceremony on 20 December, where three Lifetime Achievement honourees and at least five Special Recognition recipients will be celebrated for their enduring contributions to Nigerian entertainment. The full list of Special Recognition awardees will be unveiled early on Awards day.
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Watch here on Facebook Live
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WOMA 2025: Organised & Produced By 2025 Steering Committee

Supported By: TopRadio 90.9 FM, SMF & Dayo Olomu Foundation UK

ONE DAY… TO  WOMA 2025 ROUNDTABLE ABOUT OLUMIDE IYANDA Introducing Olumide Iyanda, Founder and CEO of Mighty Media Plus ...
11/12/2025

ONE DAY… TO  WOMA 2025 ROUNDTABLE 

ABOUT OLUMIDE IYANDA 
Introducing Olumide Iyanda, Founder and CEO of Mighty Media Plus Network, the powerhouse behind QEDNG - one of Nigeria’s most trusted digital news platforms. With more than twenty years in journalism, media leadership and content strategy, Olumide has earned a reputation for credible reporting, sharp storytelling and a deep understanding of the modern news ecosystem.

A University of Ibadan alumnus with a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from UNILAG, he has worked across major Nigerian newsrooms - from Tempo to Punch to Independent Newspapers, where he rose to become Editor.

Today, he leads Mighty Media and convenes the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, bringing innovators and policymakers together to drive conversations about the creative economy. He also serves as Deputy President of GOCOP, and is a member of NGE and an associate of NIPR. Olumide is, without doubt, one of the industry’s most respected voices.

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WOMA 2025: Organised & Produced By 2025 Steering Committee 

Supported By: TopRadio 90.9 FM, SMF & Dayo Olomu Foundation UK

ONE DAY… TO WOMA 2025 ROUNDTABLE ABOUT OLUMIDE IYANDA Introducing Olumide Iyanda, Founder and CEO of Mighty Media Plus ...
11/12/2025

ONE DAY… TO WOMA 2025 ROUNDTABLE

ABOUT OLUMIDE IYANDA
Introducing Olumide Iyanda, Founder and CEO of Mighty Media Plus Network, the powerhouse behind QEDNG - one of Nigeria’s most trusted digital news platforms. With more than twenty years in journalism, media leadership and content strategy, Olumide has earned a reputation for credible reporting, sharp storytelling and a deep understanding of the modern news ecosystem.

A University of Ibadan alumnus with a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from UNILAG, he has worked across major Nigerian newsrooms - from Tempo to Punch to Independent Newspapers, where he rose to become Editor.

Today, he leads Mighty Media and convenes the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, bringing innovators and policymakers together to drive conversations about the creative economy. He also serves as Deputy President of GOCOP, and is a member of NGE and an associate of NIPR. Olumide is, without doubt, one of the industry’s most respected voices.

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WOMA 2025: Organised & Produced By 2025 Steering Committee

Supported By: TopRadio 90.9 FM, SMF & Dayo Olomu Foundation UK

10/12/2025

Two more Days to the WOMA 2025 Roundtable Discussion... Keep the date - Set the dial.

TWO DAYS… TO WOMA 2025 ROUNDTABLE ABOUT OMOWUNMI TUNDE-OBE Meet Valerie Omowunmi Tunde-Obe, widely known as Wunmi Obe -...
10/12/2025

TWO DAYS… TO WOMA 2025 ROUNDTABLE

ABOUT OMOWUNMI TUNDE-OBE
Meet Valerie Omowunmi Tunde-Obe, widely known as Wunmi Obe - a multi-award-winning singer, media executive and one half of the iconic duo T.W.O. For more than two decades, she has shaped the sound and texture of contemporary Nigerian music with classics like Adupe, Mogbo Moya and Ire, as well as five successful albums and unforgettable live performances.

But Valerie’s talent extends far beyond the stage. She is a respected media and corporate leader, a member of the Chartered Institute of Directors, an Associate of WIMBIZ, and currently serves as Executive Director for Business Development and Innovation at Punch Nigeria Limited.

Creative, versatile and deeply experienced across music, media and leadership, Valerie brings a rare 360-degree perspective to conversations about the evolution of entertainment and its impact on artists’ careers. She is also happily married with children.
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WOMA 2025: Organised & Produced By 2025 Steering Committee

Supported By: TopRadio 90.9 FM, SMF & Dayo Olomu Foundation UK

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