Ọọ̀nirìṣà of the Cradle, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) will lead other prominent Yoruba Obas, cultural ambassadors and music icons at the maiden edition of Orisun Yoruba Music Awards (OYOMA)in Ife,Osun state.
The music awards,according to the organisers, is an initiative of +tive Image Global Limited,with ambassadors Baoku Moses as President and Muyiwa Osinaike FDGN as Chairman organizing committee.
The event will hold on Saturday November 25 at the prestigious Ife
Resorts and Hotels.
In his remarks,president of OYOMA, ambassador Baoku Moses,said the stage is set for the music awards that promises to be the gathering of Yoruba music talents.
He said the focus of the organizers is to promote Yoruba music and bring to the limelight musicians that are ready to project Yoruba race positively.
Speaking on the music fiesta,amb. Osinaike,who is also the Chairman, planning Committee of the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) stated that Orisun Yoruba Music Awards will explore seven genres of music including Juju, Fuji,Apala, Waka,Ifa Christian and Islamic gospel music among others.
“OYOMA music awards is the birth of a new beginning in the protection and constant propagation of Yoruba music culture.
“Today,it is agreed that Yoruba music has popularized the cultural values and heritage of the people at home and in the diaspora.
“It is also very important to note that music constitutes an important medium through which Yoruba culture and values have been sustained in the face of the raging cultural imperialism that is fast encroaching the African continent.
“The introduction of our pet project;
Orisun Yoruba Music Awards is a timely intervention to save the Yoruba music from going into oblivion.
“Therefore,we are coming up with an event that will shake the music world.We are adding value to the industry and our approach will trigger positive response from music lovers and stakeholders.
“The awards committee have decided to source for four nominees in each category of the
music, and for the first edition, awards will be given to musician of the year in each category.
The criteria for winning the awards, according to the organizers are thoroughly specified, even as nominated musicians shall canvass for votes through dedicated online portals.
“Voting will be 60 percent votes from music fans and 40 percent from committee, totalling
100 percent votes.And awards will be given to music Icons like the good women choir in Ibadan, popular singer Iya’laduke and envagelist Bola Are.
“We are expecting 20 traditional rulers,top musicians in all the genres of music and stakeholders including music promoters at the event.
“All the awards will be dedicated to all categories, with Icons and Legend of Yoruba music industry as endowment.The event will feature performances from various artistes, comedy and short skits”,Osinaike said.
