Oga Otulama: Trying to Spread Peace and Joy

Described as one of Atlanta’s most notable producers, Oga Otumala has captivated both aspiring musicians and audiences all across the nation. His status as a seminal figure was solidified by his various accomplishments in the entertainment industry. He first fell in love with music when he was in elementary school. He amazed his parents and school teachers when he constructed a guitar out of a bamboo plant before he even learned the art of playing the instrument. This laid the groundwork for his thrust into the world of music. He first made his debut appearance in front of large audiences with live performances on television programs. A few of these include popular programs like “Youth Panorama” and a radio show called ” Youth Forum“. Oga Otumala thrilled and captivated his audiences. The strength and soulfulness of his songs at an early age were remarkable. He has remained true to his own vision and distinct sound.

Before leaving for the United States in 1988, Oga had already left a huge mark winning seven first prizes, two of those international precisely: The Greenbelt World Music Festival, in London, and the All Africa Music Festival in Kenya. In 1987 Oga was the only Nigeria representative in USAID for Africa where he co-toured over 40 countries with other international artists for the “We Are The World” project to raise funds for the famine in Ethiopia. Before he left Nigeria, he had a national tour where he performed for several state governors as well as performing for four presidents of African countries.

Not only in Nigeria and Africa has Oga made his mark, in his 27 years stay in the United States,  Consequently, he is the first and currently the only producer born on African soil to be a three-category-voting member of the Grammy Awards, the highest entertainment body in the world. In 2006, Oga’s song, “I Am An African” became the first English number-one song in Addis Ababa and was also translated to Amharic and performed by an Ethiopian Artist. The song generated the interest of the African Union (AU) to be made as an anthem for Africa. For his song “DANCE WITH THE DEVIL”, he won an award at the Actors, Models & Talents Competition (AMTC) for best songwriter of the year in 2008 in the USA. In 2013, Oga’s song “AMERICA RECOVERS” was commissioned for the National event of the 50th commemoration speech, “I HAVE A DREAM” by Dr. Martin Luther King in Washington, DC before President Obama, Clinton, and Carter. He was also honored at the 50th NOBEL PEACE PRIZE event of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 2014 with the performance of his song “AMERICA RECOVERS” by the ICONIC JOURNEY group in Atlanta, GA USA. Oga Otumala is a humanitarian. Throughout his career, he has also dedicated his life to fighting for humanity, assisting and mentoring emerging artists and producers. Such commitment has created not only hope in aspiring young talents but also a foundation to embrace perseverance for greater success.