Colleagues, friends celebrate Pa Kasumu’s 40 years as actor
Adeserving honour, it is, as Yoruba actor, Olukayode Olugbenga Odium (a.k.a Pa Kasumu) is being celebrated as a veteran who has traversed the thick and thin of the entertainment industry as a screen and stage actor.
At a 2-day ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos and Abeokuta on Friday May 23 and May 31, the comic-laden but serious character actor he is known for will be expected to share his experiences to mark his worthy career.
The event will be preceded by a world press conference and courtesy visits to three South-Western State governors in April. It will be declared opened by the Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel after which a novelty football match will follow. Fans and friends of Pa. Kasumu will be treated to the best of time with stage plays, film shows, gyration, cultural dance, and Pa Kasumu on Hot Seat later that evening at the Cultural Centre, Abeokuta. In the light of the fun, the following Saturday being May 31, will witness another blockbuster package to celebrate Pa. Kasumu. The day's activities will commence with Pa. Kasumu's personality lecture at the Oyo Hall of Lagos Airport Hotel by 11.00am, where Prof. P.A Ogundeji of Department of Linguistics and African Languages, University of Ibadan (President, Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria) will be guest lecturer. Theme of the lecture: 'Background, Challenges andProspect of the Yoruba Movie Industry'. Then comes the night of glamour, celebration, ambience tagged, 'An Evening with Pa Kasumu'. The night is to unveil a potpourri of activities to celebrate him as the media, well wishers, friends, families, colleagues, corporate organizations and other guests have been invited to be part of exhibition of some of his old works, premier of his new film, launching of a book in his honour by Alayande Stephen, musical performances, play let, comedy, documentary on his person, and launching of his pet project. Keynote Address is expected to be given by Chief Jide Kosoko, National President, Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP).
Put together by Red Carpet Media & Entertainment; and partnered by Goldmyne Entertainment (Box Office & Video Wheel), Saturation Photography, Prime O Blow Concept, and Walex Production, the objective of the event is to celebrate one of the oldest and finest humour merchants in the Yoruba movie industry; create a lasting platform that can serve as a link between the old generation and the new breed in the movie industry as well as place Pa. Kasumu as a desirable name that can connect brands to their target markets emotionally.
Born on March 16, 1953 in Agbeni area of Ibadan, Oyo State, Pa. Kasumu who hails from Ogun State started his career at age 15; taking up challenging roles on stage under the tutelage of Elder Chief Ayinla Olumegbon whom he knew through his area Uncle then (Mr.Afolabi), popularly called Brother Simbat.He got baptized through a stage play entitled Iyawo Orun (1968).And ever since then, he has grown from strength to strength; and this indelible mark indeed calls for celebration.