The 2025 edition of the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards and Roundtable (WOMA-R) kicked off its two-weekend program on Saturday, 13 December, with a thought-provoking discussion on “The Impact of Entertainment Reporting on Musical Careers: Our View.” Broadcast live on TopRadio 90.9 FM, the roundtable brought together artists, journalists, and media executives to explore how reporting, narrative-building, and public perception shape careers in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Moderated by WOMA Steering Committee members Tokunbo Ojekunle and Femi Akintunde-Johnson, the discussion highlighted the delicate balance of power between media and entertainers. Multi-award-winning singer and media executive Wunmi Obe remarked,

“He that controls the media, controls the mind… The media can make or mar an entertainer, but the entertainer can also give the media the right to do so. Collaboration is key.”

Afro-soul singer Kayefi Osha emphasized the importance of credibility, warning that silence can be costly.

“If you do not tell your story, others will tell it for you – and it may not be accurate,” she said.

Globally recognized performer Aralola Olamuyiwa (Ara) highlighted the heightened vulnerability of creatives in the digital age, noting that how artists are reported often determines their career trajectory. She added that artistry, rather than gender, drives public perception.

Broadcaster Jimi Akinniyi and media strategists Jide Taiwo and Olumide Iyanda discussed the tension between reportage and reputation, stressing the journalist’s responsibility to fairness regardless of personal relationships or industry pressures.

The discussion also explored interview preparedness, media literacy, and lifestyle choices, concluding that misinformation, sensationalism, and poorly managed narratives remain major threats to artistic longevity.

The roundtable set the stage for WOMA 2025, themed “Unsung Legends Who Shaped Today’s Glory.” Attention now turns to Saturday, 20 December, when the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards will honor three Lifetime Achievement recipients and five Special Recognition awardees for their enduring contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on TopRadio 90.9 FM, continuing WOMA’s mission to preserve legacy, recognize excellence, and amplify the often-uncelebrated architects of Nigeria’s cultural evolution.