Orlando Owoh also known as the Kennery (sic), one of Nigeria's best known singers is recuperating from a stroke. Seated with Ben Tomoloju the playwright (in glasses), Orlando, now in his seventies, toured Europe and North America in his prime. The occasion was a 2-hour recorded documentary of this great man's life organized by the Committee for Relevant Art, C.O.R.A., in collaboration with Tunde Oladunjoye. Also in attendance were Akeem Lasisi of the Punch newspapers and Ropo Ewenla. I handled the camcorder. In the picture, Orlando at his home in Ipaja-Agege, sings a tune for Tomoloju, himself an authority on the musician.
Orlando's many hits, house-hold anthems in Nigeria, include "You be my lover", "Kangaru" and "America Special".
Orlando Owoh, born Stephen Oladipo Olaore Owomoyela told a tale of exploitation by many recording companies (Decca Records and Afrodisia), and by many young artistes ("No more Loss" and "Yinka Ayefele") who have "lifted" many songs of his without permission or acknowledgement.
His recollection however had many inspiring moments.