45 years after, Ayinla Omowura’s legacy echoes through Apala rhythm
Penultimate week was a week like no other in the ancient town of Itoko, Abeokuta as lovers of Yoruba culture and Apala music fans gathered to honour the indomitable spirit of Apala legend, Ayinla Omowura.
The event was held 45 years after his tragic demise.
The ceremony was to celebrate the man who once shook Nigeria’s social and cultural landscape with piercing lyrics, vibrant stagecraft and unapologetic commentary about the ill of the society.
The week-long programme kicked-off from Monday through Wednesday with different activities.
On Friday a special prayer at a local mosque, followed up with a fans’ club party on Saturday, and culminated in a colourful musical concert on Sunday, May 18.
The concert saw performances from musicians across generations, all paying homage to the man whose music still commands reverence across Yoruba land and beyond.
“Ayinla was more than a musician; he was a prophet in his own right. He predicted many of the things we see happening in this country today,” said Sikiru Gbadeyan, a fan.
Bisi Oyebanji, a dancer and student, echoed similar sentiments: “His voice fought for the common man. He taught us culture, morality, and resistance through rhythm. His legacy will never fade.”
Born in 1933 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Omowura did not have formal education and started out working at his father’s smithy but left and went on to working several jobs as a driver, butcher, carpenter and bus park boy. He was later discovered by Adewole ‘Oniluola’ Alao, who later became his lead drummer.
He was a cultural promoter and a social commentator. In his 1976 album entitled, ‘Owo Udoji,’ he lauded the government’s salary raise while challenging the private sector to follow suit. He demystified policies in albums including ‘National Census’ and ‘Orin Owo Ile Eko’.
Despite his lack of formal education, Omowura’s music was rich with Yoruba proverbs, metaphors and biting satire. He was a fearless critic of government failures and social ills. His discography includes pointed rebukes of skin bleaching, promiscuity and moral decay, particularly among women.
His personal life was layered and controversial.
Known for his fiery temper and public altercations, he was reported to have lyrical battle with his contemporaries in the music industry including Haruna Ishola, Sikuriu Ayinde Barrister, Yesufu Olatunji among others.
In those days, much like today, musicians were often entangled in fierce rivalries. They staked their claim to fame and superiority through biting lyrics recorded on vinyl. In one notable episode, Fatai Olowoyo, an arch-rival of Omowura, mocked his stained teeth and sagging lips. This public jab reportedly pushed Omowura to visit a dentist.
Omowura was tough, both mentally and physically. Verbal attacks were nothing to him; he had unleashed his fair share of sharp lyrics on critics and anyone he considered a foe. Paranoia ran deep in his music, often cloaked in metaphors drawn from the animal kingdom. In real life, he wrestled with insecurity and harbored a deep mistrust of Western education and values, possibly stemming from his own lack of formal schooling.
However, Omowura was an enigma who spoke the language of the streets but carried the soul of a griot. His flamboyant fashion, powerful stage presence, and unapologetic authenticity made him a legend in his own right.
He was married to Afusatu of the Ile Eleni clan and Tawakalitu Owonikoko, Omowura was a devout Muslim who performed the Hajj in 1975, though he also participated in traditional religious practices.
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