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Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger Whittaker As Germans Mourn His Demise

Published

3 years ago

September 19, 2023

Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger As Germans Mourn His Demise

Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger Whittaker As Germans Mourn His Demise

The singer Roger Whittaker (“Albany”) is dead. He died on September 13th at the age of 87, as his record company Sony Music announced to the German Press Agency on Monday. The “Bild” newspaper had previously reported on it.

Whittaker had been living in seclusion for years

Anyone who grew up in the 1970s and 80s heard Roger Whittaker’s music – whether voluntarily or involuntarily. His songs were played by his parents or grandparents. The British singer with the gentle baritone voice was often a guest on the ZDF hit parade and other TV entertainment shows. Feel-good hits and catchy ballads – some say tearjerkers – were his forte. Whittaker sold millions of records not only in Germany. Now he has died.

“Farewell is a sharp sword that often cuts deep into your heart,” says one of his biggest hits. “Someday the best time will come to an end, ooh ooh.” And so Whittaker withdrew from the public years ago. “Unfortunately, Roger has completely retired and is no longer giving interviews,” wrote his agent in response to a request from the German Press Agency on the singer’s 85th birthday in 2021.

Studies financed with performances in clubs and pubs

At the beginning of the 1960s, the musical career of the trained zoologist, marine biologist and biochemist took off. The son of English immigrants was born in 1936 in Nairobi in what was then the British colony of Kenya. After military service, dropping out of medical school in Cape Town and a temporary job as a teacher in Nairobi, Whittaker moved to Europe. He completed a second course of study in Wales with a Bachelor of Science.

He financed his studies by performing as a singer in clubs and pubs – and also composed his own songs. So one thing led to another. In 1962 he recorded his first single “The Charge Of The Light Brigade”, a pompous country number. The musician only found his own style, with which he enjoyed worldwide success, at the end of the 1960s.

Whittaker’s most prominent fan: US President Bush

According to Whittaker, beard growth also played a role. “Early in my career I saw myself on television and thought: This face won’t work,” he told the Daily Express years ago. “So I grew the beard back that I had in university.” Still, he never looked like a pop star. With a Henriquatre beard, jacket, glasses and hair that had turned gray since the 80s, he looked like the friendly man next door – a likeable and authentic image that matched his music.

The all-whistled instrumental number “Mexican Whistler” was his first hit in the UK in 1967. The ballad “Durham Town” marked the big breakthrough two years later. Songs like “The Last Farewell” or “Indian Lady” soon made Roger Whittaker popular in other countries. His most prominent fan was former US President George HW Bush, who invited him to his house and sang at his golden wedding anniversary.

African influences in Whittaker’s music

One of Whittaker’s biggest hits, “The Last Farewell”, only became a success four years after its release. After the song made it onto American radio and the US top 20 in 1975, it also became a huge success in Europe. In the UK it reached number 2 on the charts, just behind Rod Stewart’s “Sailing”. Later even Elvis Presley recorded “The Last Farewell”.

Here and there, Whittaker’s music contained the African influences that he had absorbed during his youth in Nairobi. “The beautiful drumming and those wonderful, infectious rhythms have been a major influence in everything I’ve ever written and sung,” Whittaker was quoted as saying on his website.

Huge Whittaker fan base in Germany

He had his most loyal fan base in Germany. He therefore recorded many songs in German using phonetic transcription, although he had to struggle with the umlauts. “The worst German word is tenderness,” joked the songwriter in a 2012 “BamS” interview. “So purely phonetically, of course.” His greatest successes include “Albany” and “Farewell is a Sharp Sword”, which were written by the composer and producer Klaus Munro.

From the 80s onwards, Whittaker’s style increasingly shifted to German hits – stylistically somewhere between the Flippers and Howard Carpendale. In 1986 he sang: “I need a little aroma, a little Paloma, a little chichi today, Chérie!” Whittaker released dozens of albums in Germany. For his life’s work, the British gentleman of the German hit was honored with the “Platinum Tuning Fork” and the “Crown of Folk Music”.

Roger Whittaker also lived up to his friendly image in his private life. The family man and dog fan had been married to his wife Natalie since 1964, who later also became his manager. The couple has five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After living in Ireland for a long time, the Whittakers moved to the south of France in 2012 – for the warmer weather, of course.

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Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

Published

5 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants

The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.

Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.

Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema

Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.

From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.

Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.

Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.

Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller

For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.

Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.

His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.

Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.

Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force

Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.

The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.

Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.

Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.

Growing Global Influence

The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.

Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.

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Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

Published

6 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Olowu Kuta To Yoruba Obas: Uplift Culture And Tradition Of Our Forebears

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”

Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.

He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.

The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

Published

6 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

By Adeyemi Obadimu Veron

The Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and the world at large on the joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement made available to Newsmen, the revered monarch urged Muslims to embrace the true teachings of Islam by promoting peace, love, unity, sacrifice, and compassion during and after the festive period.

Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah, remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam as it symbolizes total obedience, faith, and devotion to Almighty Allah, drawing inspiration from the unwavering sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated complete submission to the will of God.

According to the monarch, the Holy Qur’an teaches believers the importance of righteousness, kindness to humanity, tolerance, and support for the less privileged in society. He emphasized that the season should serve as a reminder for all Nigerians to live in harmony irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political differences.

The royal father further called on Muslims to use the sacred period to pray fervently for peace, stability, economic growth, and sustainable development in Nigeria, stressing that national progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual understanding.

Oba Saliu also encouraged the faithful to extend hands of generosity to widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society, noting that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration and feasting, but also reflects the spirit of sharing and caring for humanity as instructed in the Qur’an.

While wishing Muslims a peaceful and memorable Eid celebration, the Oloworo of Oworosoki prayed for divine blessings, prosperity, good health, and continued harmony in homes and communities.

“May this year’s Eid-el-Kabir strengthen our faith, deepen our love for one another, and bring renewed hope and abundant blessings to our nation,” the monarch stated.