Celebrating the Indelible Legacy of Wale Olomu
Femi Akintunde-Johnson
It is a curious paradox that some individuals, even when confined to the briefest of lifetimes, manage to etch their existence indelibly on the annals of their profession and the hearts of their contemporaries. Among these figures stands Adewale Olomu – “Wale” to friends and colleagues – whose life, though tragically brief, remains a template of excellence in entertainment journalism – such a rare breed. As we approach 30 years since his untimely passing on 22 December, 1994, the resonance of his impact grows only stronger. Born on January 24, 1964, he departed this world barely a month shy of his 31st birthday. And yet, almost three decades later, his name still evokes reverence, admiration, and – yes – a deep pang of regret for all that could have been.
Wale was not just a journalist; he was a force of nature. A blazing comet in the staid skies of Nigerian showbiz reportage. His work, spanning prominent publications like the Daily Times, Republic Newspapers, Vintage People, and Fame Weekly Magazine, was driven by a singular philosophy: to unearth the hidden, celebrate the unsung, and give light to those whose brilliance was often overlooked. Long before it became fashionable to amplify the stories of the marginalised in entertainment, Wale had made it his life’s work. And he excelled.
To those who worked alongside him, Wale was much more than a reporter; he was a consummate professional who never shied away from the hard work of uncovering hidden gems in the Nigerian entertainment scene. For Wale, journalism was not merely a career; it was a calling, a mission to amplify the accomplishments of others while demanding little for himself.
The entertainment industry of the late 1980s and early 1990s was no gentle playground. The glitz and glamour were but thin veneers over an unrelenting grind. It required not just grit but a restless creativity to thrive, and Wale possessed both in spades. His sharp instinct for talent and his relentless pursuit of stories made him a linchpin in every newsroom he graced. Yet, his genius lay not just in his reportage but in his humanity. Wale was loyal to a fault, cheerful to a fault, and, perhaps, idealistic to a fault. He believed not only in the power of stories but also in the transformative possibilities of the people behind them.
It is impossible to recall Wale without revisiting those electrifying days when ideas seemed to crackle in the air, when dreams of a new kind of entertainment journalism were not just imagined but hammered into templates late into the night. Conversations flowed as freely as the optimism of youth, punctuated by moments of brilliant insight and stubborn disagreements. Wale, ever the wingman, was undaunted by the “dirty work”. He scouted stories, nurtured fledgling ideas, and offered a steadying hand when the inevitable storms of creativity threatened to capsize the ship.
And yet, for all his brilliance, Wale’s life ended too soon. Thirty years later (almost to the day next Saturday), it feels both like yesterday and an eternity. The shock of his passing has long since faded, replaced by a quieter but no less piercing ache – a sense of unfinished business. It is this ache that birthed the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA). First launched in December 2023, the awards aim to perpetuate the ideals that Wale held dear: recognising the overlooked, celebrating the uncelebrated, and uplifting those whose work, while vital, often goes unacknowledged.
The inaugural edition, held over three Saturdays (between 9th and 23rd December, 2023, on a weekly talkshow programme on TopRadio 90.9 FM), was nothing short of a triumph. Each session was imbued with the spirit of Wale – humble, celebratory, and profoundly meaningful. The awards did not merely recognise achievement; they created a tapestry of voices, bringing together industry titans and unsung heroes to reflect, debate, and envision a better future for the Nigerian entertainment industry: Laolu Akins, Tony Okoroji, Oríts Williki, Kenny St. Brown, etc, stood tall.
The awards are not merely ceremonial; they represent a broader philosophical commitment to fairness and inclusivity. The inaugural editions in 2023 recognised a diverse array of talents, from instrumentalists like Amos McRoy and Fortune O’Tega to studio managers such as Diran Olajoyegbe, music producers like Femi Ojetunde and Nelson Brown, artiste managers like Kayode Samuel and Collins Enebeli, and even backup vocalists like Manny Eke and Zubby Enebeli – and many others whose contributions have shaped the soundscape and culture of Nigeria. These individuals, often relegated to the periphery of fame, were thrust into the spotlight – a gesture Wale himself would have championed.
But this is not merely about awards. It is about remembrance. It is about rekindling the flame of a man who, in his brief time here, managed to illuminate so much. Wale was not just a journalist; he was a bridge-builder, a dream-weaver, and, above all, a believer. He believed in the stories he told, in the people he wrote about, and in the power of journalism to shape society for the better.
As the second edition of WOMA approaches, scheduled for 14th and 21st of December 2024, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. Themed “Celebrating the Living, Hidden Gems of Nigerian Entertainment,” this year’s iteration will spotlight those who, like Wale, toil away from the limelight yet make the industry’s wheels turn. A roundtable discussion, featuring some of the sharpest minds in the industry, will set the stage for what promises to be an inspiring celebration of resilience, creativity, and community: Mike Okri (award-winning afro pop maestro, now US-based), Olúwaṣeun Ajasa (legal practitioner), and actor and humanist, Foluke Daramola-Salako. They will be discussing the topic: “Building Safety Nets for Veteran and Indigent Practitioners”.
The emotional resonance of WOMA extends beyond its honourees. At the inaugural ceremony in December 2023, tributes poured in from Wale’s contemporaries and loved ones. Ekundayo Asaju, publisher of First Weekly Magazine, and Mike Effiong, then editor of Ovation International, described him as a pacesetter whose contributions to entertainment journalism were unparalleled. His former fiancée, Taibat Adebisi Yussuf, spoke of his unwavering commitment to his craft and his magnetic personality that drew people to him. Wale’s younger brother, Dayo Olomu, expressed profound gratitude to the organisers of WOMA for preserving his brother’s legacy. Dayo himself, a UK-based former artiste manager, embodies much of the same pioneering spirit that defined Wale. Their shared commitment to recognising and uplifting others is a poignant reminder of the family’s enduring ethos.
Reflecting on Wale’s legacy, one is struck by the sheer audacity of his vision. He was a man who saw beyond the immediate, who dared to dream of a media landscape that was inclusive, rigorous, and celebratory. It is a vision that, even 30 years after his passing, feels remarkably urgent and necessary.
Yes, the ache of his absence will never fully fade. But perhaps, in honouring him, in continuing the work he began, we can transform that ache into something more tangible – a beacon for future generations of journalists and storytellers. Wale Olomu may no longer walk among us, but his spirit endures. It endures in the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the ideals he inspired. And so, we remember, not just with sadness but with gratitude. For in a world that so often forgets, Wale Olomu reminds us of the enduring power of memory, the enduring power of legacy.
