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

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

Orru 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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