Why I Sing Like ORLANDO OWO

• Talented Highlife, Singer, ORLANDO WEST

Few days ago, City People crew made up of Reporter Jamiu Abubakar and Photojournalist, Rasheed Sanni were in Ile-Ife to cover a social event. During the glamorous reception party, they came across a highly talented highlife singer who sings exactly like late Orlando Owoh of blessed memory. His stage name is Orlando West. The singer who is in his mid 40s stole the show as the entire audience in the hall were marvelled at the way he dazzled on stage with his unique and powerful voice. Even those outside the event hall rushed in to see for themselves who was performing like Baba Orlando Owoh just as they say, seeing is believing. The singer is endowed with a deep, powerful and energetic voice exactly like that of the legendary late Orlando Owomoyela Owoh. He is a joy to watch perform on stage. Immediately after he ended his stage performance, we quickly approached him to get him to talk about his brand of music and why he chose to sing using the voice of late Orlando Owoh. Below are excerpts what he said:

You just had a breath-taking display on stage, can we meet you?

Yes! My name is Oladimeji Babatunde Michael. I play high life music. I call it music for the mature mind. My stage name is Orlando West. We are based in Ondo town but play everywhere.

How did you become this good at singing like Baba Orlando Owoh?

It is God’s grace. God has been good to me. It’s just a gift of God. I never learnt the act of singing. God’s grace just fell on me and people started loving the way I sing.

For how long have you been singing?

I have been singing for almost 30 years. I started singing right from the church. Then I attended Cherubim and Seraphim Church located at Pako bus-stop, Itire Lagos.

How have you been coping with your brand of music?

The journey of man lies in the hands of his creator. I move according to God’s direction. I don’t play with my job. I’m always available to play wherever I’m being invited to come to a performance.

How long do you rehearse to achieve singing exactly like the popular Orlando Owoh?

I do listen to late Orlando songs a lot. I listen to him mostly before I go for rehearsal and that inspires me a lot to sing like him. Whenever I’m performing, passers-by do think it’s the DJ that is playing Orlando’s songs. I usually thank God for the gift of the voice which is so special. My singing like Baba Orlando Owoh is the gift of God. Since my time as a singer in the church, people who enjoyed the way I sing used to call me Orlando Junior. My present stage name wasn’t coined by me. My fans give me Orlando West, the stage name I’m using now. That’s over 4 years ago.

How many albums have you produced and is there any album you are working on presently?

I produced my first and only music album in 2008. I named it ‘Discovery’. Then I was unable to push it through the market, so I couldn’t make much sales. Right now, I’m repackaging it and intend sending it to the market which I believe would be a big hit. So watch out. It will be out very soon. I’m determined to compose more meaningful songs that will educate listeners and will serve as reference points to lovers of good music just like the legendary Orlando Owoh songs which are still evergreen even when he is no more.