The organisers of the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA) 2023 have called for nominations in the build-up to the event, which is scheduled to hold on three Saturdays – 9th, 16th and 23rd December 2023. According to the event organiser, Mr. Femi Akintunde-Johnson (popularly known as FAJ), the announcement and presentation of the awards would be held during his Saturday morning programme on Top Radio 90.9 FM, The Vintage Talkshow with FAJ. The two-hour show starts from 7 am.
Olomu was a front runner in entertainment journalism, who inspired many others. Born in London on 21st January 1964, he studied at the Times Journalism and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. He worked with The Republic newspapers in the late 80s; as well as Vintage People and Fame magazines in the 90s. He died on 22nd December 1994 at Ward A2, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba.
Here is FAJ’s statement:
Call for Nominations to Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA) 2023
Now, we get to the business end of this assignment: Nominations of credible, worthy and inspirational potential recipients of the maiden Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA). The awards will be held between 9th and 23rd December 2023 on our two-hour long radio show (via Top Radio 90.9 FM).
Note that your well-considered nominees are for two main categories: Special Recognition Awards (SRA) and Lifetime Achievement (LAA) Awards. Neither category is competitive, nor subjected to voting and regular selection processes.
However, a Steering Committee shall be set up to review the credentials and pedigrees of nominated personalities, and thereafter identify and present a worthy candidate for each category. Of course, the Steering Committee would be encouraged to also carefully exercise their judgement, exposure and affinity with Nigerian entertainment.
The only two qualifying criteria: One is that the SRA nominees shall be people of immense and aspirational talent, creativity and outstanding contributions to any area of the Nigerian music industry in any of the understated categories – meaning people who have been avid practitioners for at least 10 years; while 35 years and above for the LAA.
Second is that wherever they may be in the world does not matter, simply let them be bonafide Nigerians.
The following are the tentative categories for your esteemed nominations:
- Music Producers
- Sound Engineers
- Studio Managers
- Music Video Editors
- Artiste Managers
- Band Managers
- Live Show Photographers
- Set Designers
- Session Men
- Backup Vocalists
- Percussionists
- Disc/Vid Jockeys
- Hype Men/Women
(List Not Exhausted)
Note: This exercise will remain open for your esteemed nominations and contributions until the last minute of Friday, 3rd November 2023.
PS: Interested, committed, experienced and reputable volunteers can DM me (or by other private means) to join the small-sized Steering Committee. Eventual invitation would be at the discretion of the coordinator. Thank you.
To Contact The Coordinator: WhatsApp Only: 08033150547. Email: waleolomu1994@gmail.com
