A wonderful tribute to the late Achilla Orru (see post below) in the March 19 Globe & Mail‘s “Lives Lived“. Written by his friend & fellow Ugandan-Canadian Opiyo Oloya, who is also known by all African music supporters in the Toronto area.

Many harried Toronto subway commuters likely never knew his name, where he came from, his mother tongue, or his deepest love. To them, Achilla Orru Apaa-Idomo was the blind black man with the sweet voice who played music on the funny-looking instrument in the station.

Tribute/Fundraiser, April 7

A tribute to, and fundraiser for his wife and children will be held at the Lula Lounge Sunday April 7. 8pm. The following information is from Batuki Music Society

Toronto artists and musicians will join together at the Lula Lounge on Sunday, April 7, 2013 to pay tribute to Achilla Orru Apaa-Idomo. Achilla passed away on February 4, 2013 in Toronto. Born in Uganda, and blind at childhood, Achilla was the finest musician that ever played the simple lukeme, a hand-held wooden box instrument with keys made from flattened bicycle spokes (also known as likembe, mbira, kalimba, sanza or simply thumb piano). The extraordinary gathering of so many talented artists at the Lula is a fitting homage to Achilla who touched the lives of many with his music in Toronto, Canada and around the world.

The hot-line up of featured performers includes Achilla’s band – Baana Afrique, African Guitar Summit, Njacko Backo & Ann Lederman, Nhapitapi Mbira, Lizzy Mahashe/Kobena Aquaa-Harrison, Ruth Mathiang, Sani Abu of Ijovudu Dance, Kwame Stephens, Katenen ‘Cheka’ Dioubate and Subway Friends.

Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. West, Toronto
Doors open 7 PM Show: 8 PM – 11 PM
Tickets: $20 suggested donation. All proceeds go to the Achilla Orru Memorial Fund.

Donations can also be made at any branch of Bank of Montreal
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 00022-3941-436