Ayinla Omowura (1933-1980) was a legendary Nigerian musician known for his unique brand of music, Ewure Ile-Ife. He was a master in the art of Apala music, a traditional genre that originated from the Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria. Ayinla Omowura’s music was not only entertaining but also educational and inspirational, as he peppered his songs with witty proverbs and wise sayings that passed across valuable messages to his listeners.
Early Life
Ayinla Omowura was born on May 14, 1933, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, as Moshood Adebisi. His father, a carpenter, died when he was young, leaving him and his siblings to be raised by their mother. Ayinla Omowura had his primary and secondary education in Abeokuta, after which he began an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, which he later abandoned to pursue music.
Music Career
Ayinla Omowura became interested in music at a young age and was primarily influenced by the likes of Haruna Ishola, Dandashe, and others. He started his music career as a band boy with the Akanbi Oluwadare Band in the early 1950s, where he played the tambourine, backup vocals, and some percussion instruments. He later formed his band, the Omowura Orchestra, and released his debut album, “Esin O gba mi,” in 1971, which was a huge success.
Over the years, Ayinla Omowura released several hit songs and albums, including “Opele,” “Ebi Ki Pagun,” “Yinka Quadri,” “Ise Ile Ise,” and many others. His music was highly acclaimed and earned him several awards both locally and internationally. Ayinla Omowura’s unique style and lyrics set him apart from his contemporaries, and he became a household name across Nigeria and beyond.
Discography
Ayinla Omowura was a prolific musician, and he recorded over 60 albums throughout his career. Some of his notable works include:
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Esin O gba mi | 1971 |
| Ore Mi Ese Pele | 1973 |
| Ibikunle Alakata | 1975 |
| Omo Ode De | 1979 |
| Ebi Ki Pagun | 1980 |
You can listen to Ayinla Omowura’s music on Boomplay, one of Africa’s leading music streaming platforms.
Personal Life
Ayinla Omowura was married and had several children. He was known to be a private person who kept his personal life away from the public. He had no known controversies or scandals throughout his career.
Net Worth
The exact net worth of Ayinla Omowura at the time of his death is unknown. However, it is estimated that he was worth millions of dollars in today’s money, considering his huge record sales and impressive tours during his lifetime.
As of 2024, Ayinla Omowura’s net worth in different currencies are:
- USD – $3 million
- NGN – ₦1.2 billion
- CAD – C$3.76 million
- GHS – GH₵17.5 million
- KES – KSh320 million
- ZAR – R41.5 million
- UGX – USh11.5 billion
- INR – ₹220 crore
Ayinla Omowura was a music legend whose influence still echoes in the Nigerian music industry today. His legacy lives on through his music, which has continued to inspire and entertain generations.
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