By Fidelix Umukoro
The Ehwe R’Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom in Delta State, Olorogun Claudia Owumi says foremost Urhobo musician, Chief Sally Young has motivated talented Urhobo youths around the world stressing that he is a music maestro of evergreen memory.
Owumi in an online interview with newsmen said Sally Young’s songs are inspiring, adding that, they come with wisdom and teach understanding on how to make a positive move to achieve one’s goals in life as an individual Urhobo.
According to Owumi: “Sally Young is a living cultural icon, a legendary Chief who has motivated, inspired, encouraged and empowered fellow Urhobo sons and daughters that are presently great musicians in the Urhobo entertainment industry today. As a Chief whose cultural diversity is defined, Sally Young has obtained the position of the father of Urhobo music”.
“In my estimation, Sally Young is an icon. He is a legendary, heroic, motivational and inspirational musician who has promoted not just music for the Urhobo nation but other ethnic groups. Sally Young has improved the entertainment industry throughout the African continent “.
“The motivation from the power of Sally Young’s music, if carefully listened to will increase your determination to succeed in everything that you set out to do. Sally Young songs bring great lyrical statements that uplift the Urhobo culture, tradition and encouragement to all who are struggling with the amenities of life “.
She insisted that Sally Young has continuously prayed and blessed his people throughout his musical lifetime adding that: “Sally Young does not discriminate, let alone, look at one’s social status. He has always placed the Urhobo people first in musical prayers and blessings “.
Her words: Sally Young teaches us to love one another, live together in harmony, shun all types of hatred amongst ourselves and be proud of our great Urhobo nation. Sally Young music has a unique highlife style of singing that differentiates his song from all other Urhobo songs “.
Owumi who hinted that Sally Young’s words, within the lyrics of the songs, are properly placed to tell a defined story, asserted that, Sally Young chose to separate himself from other musicians by adopting a sound and instruments that were unique and captivating to the human ear “.
She added: “Sally Young is the pioneer father of Urhobo highlife music. He is a legendary Urhobo musician, an iconic Urhobo artiste, Urhobo cultural master and a musical genius of his time. The dancers through Sally Young music danced the music of love for his Urhobo people “.
“Sally Young has been under-appreciated for a long time and part of our socio-cultural development as Urhobo people has carelessly denied his place in the hall of fame in the music industry. This disregard has brought the interest of Urhobo people within Nigeria and worldwide to create Chief Sally Young Initiative “.
