Achilla Orru

King Achilla Rufino Orru Apaa-idomo was a Uganda-born blind musician whose primary instrument was the lukembé. His ethnic background was Karamojong.

Orru came to Canada as a refugee in 1989. While studying international development at Dalhousie University in Halifax, he started a band, Baana Afrique, which he reformed with local musicians when he moved to Toronto after graduation in 1995.[1]

In Toronto, Achilla Orru was also well known as a TTC subway musician, often playing at Bloor-Yonge subway station.[2]

His 2004 album Dho-Mach (Sacred Gift) was nominated for the 2005 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year.[3]

He died on February 4, 2013 at the age of 53.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Skills for Change, Pioneers for Change. "2009 New Pioneers Award (Arts)". Retrieved April 18, 2009.
  2. ↑ Daubs, Katie (Feb 13, 2013). "News reporter". Toronto Star. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
  3. ↑ Dho-Mach, (Sacred Gift). "title track".
  4. ↑ Bagambiire, Davies. "The Ugandan Toronto Community Mourns The Passing of Achilla Rufino Orru". Retrieved February 6, 2013.


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