All roads lead to the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin city, Edo State tomorrow, April 30, 2026 as the showbiz community honours veteran showbiz guru, Mr. Charlimo Imolame with a special colloquium to mark his 70th birthday.
Put together by Stars and Veterans in collaboration with the Edo Creative Hub, the event is themed: ‘Music Copyright Security and Artist Cultural Heritage’.
Speakers at the event will include Dr. John Asein, Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. Anthony Okongbowa, Head of Service (HOS), Edo State Government, Dr. Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli MFR, International Flutist and Director, MCSN Board, Prof. John Ogene of the University of Benin, Prince Actor Segun Alile, Music Icon, Director, MCSN Board and Prof. Charles Aluede of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, among others.
Mr. Charles Imoloame, widely known his stage name Charlimo, is a distinguished Nigerian composer, songwriter, performer, producer, and accomplished graphic artist whose career spans several decades of creative excellence and industry advocacy.
A versatile multi-instrumentalist and producer, Charlimo has consistently demonstrated exceptional artistic depth, combining musical creativity with technical expertise. His contributions to Nigeria’s music ecosystem extend beyond performance, as he has remained a steadfast advocate for the rights and welfare of artistes, playing a prominent role in advancing conversations around fair remuneration, copyright protection, and industry reform.
Charlimo has held notable leadership positions within the music industry. He served as National Vice President of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and previously as Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, where he provided strategic direction and strengthened the union’s engagement with stakeholders. His commitment to intellectual property protection is further reflected in his service on the National Copyright Committee, as well as his role as Vice Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Hologram Anti-Piracy Scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at curbing piracy in Nigeria.
As a composer and performer, Charlimo achieved national recognition with his composition and performance of “I Will Be There”, the official promotional song for the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship hosted in Nigeria. This work remains a significant cultural contribution, symbolising national pride and global engagement.
He continues to maintain an active presence in the live music scene as the leader of his band, The Veterans, performing at concerts and cultural events across the country. In addition, he currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Nigeria Music Club (NMC), where he fosters community engagement and mentorship within the music industry.
Academically, Mr. Imoloame trained in the visual arts, earning a Higher National Diploma (HND) with honours in Graphics and Industrial Design from Auchi Polytechnic. During his time there, he demonstrated leadership and organisational skills as Director of Socials and Transport in the Students’ Union Government and co-founded the musical group PM JAM. He also briefly served as a teacher in Benin City prior to his polytechnic education.
Beyond music, Charlimo is a highly respected graphic designer and the Chief Executive Officer of Charlimo Graphics, based in Ikeja, Lagos. His creative work has earned him notable accolades, including the 1989 Nigerian Music Awards (NMA) for his design of the album sleeve of Tribulations by Orits Wiliki.
In 1992, he was further honoured with the African Youth Council Award in recognition of his artistic contributions and youth influence.
Mr. Imoloame also served on the management board of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), where his dynamism, experience, and commitment contributed significantly to institutional growth, improved governance, and enhanced service delivery for right holders.
A passionate advocate for the creative community, Charlimo remains dedicated to the advancement, protection, and global competitiveness of the Nigerian music industry.
His enduring vision is anchored on empowering artistes, strengthening copyright systems, and promoting a sustainable and equitable creative economy in Nigeria.
