Isioma Nwalama, Ace Anioma Musician is Dead
<span;>- Emeka Esogbue
The Ibusa community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State was on Monday thrown into a mourning mood following the reported death of an ace Anioma highlife musician and the leader of Isioma Nwalama and His Music Paddles, Derek Isioma Nwalama.
Developing rumours that viciously started with questionable accuracy, within minutes, spreading to different Anioma online platforms like wildfire, later turned out to be unfortunately true to friends and fans of the musician who then started to severely mourn his loss.
The news had broken with many online users across the Enuani nation, finding it incredible to grasp. PEN MASTER reliably gathered that the late Nwalama, one of Ibusa’s leading traditional musicians had been relatively sick for some time only to give up the ghost.
He was among the Enuani traditional musicians billed to perform at the much-awaited Egwu Enuani Lagos Live Concert of Saturday, March 16, and was expected to draw a large audience of Anioma youths to the show, the first of its kind in Enuani.
Born to the Nwalama family, in Ogboli part of Ibusa, the family is famous for traditional music breakthroughs with which they serve their audience. Ogboli, his native quarters is equally famously known for its quality of local musicians, among whom are legendary Chief Ogbogu Okonji and his cousin, Etiti Okonji.
Uche Nwalama, a member of the family was until his death renowned for his hit album, “Uwazulu Onye.” The album is believed to be one of Ibusa’s best-selling singles having been selling since its release more than two decades ago.
A mourner who could not be immediately identified described the late music maestro as one of the greatest youths who worked very hard to record achievements.
“Isi Nwa-Alama happens to be one of the greatest youths that broke so many shackles to have his name written in the book of books,” he wrote on the Ibusa Development Forum.
Vebron Founder and Head, Dr. Henry Ajudua wrote “Isioma Nwalama is gone just like that. Vanity is vanity all is vanity. Why all the hate,” Vebron Founder and Head, Dr. Henry Ajudua lamentably questioned on the Ndigbuzo WhatsApp platform.
Another commentator had also stated that his music career started to manifest earlier in life as he instrumentally started on drums and keyboards.
Until his death, Isioma, a young superstar had gradually risen to record amazing performances in the music industry, putting his Ibusa community on the Anioma entertainment map.
He will be missed by Anioma music lovers the world over and more importantly, the youths of Ibusa with whom he enjoys uncommon popularity.
Isioma Nwalama is best remembered for his hit album, “Uwa Bu Aja.”