By Uche Amunike
News of Rhythm FM On-Air Personality (OAP), Onome Oyaide’s death has just been confirmed to be true, throwing his colleagues, both at Rhythm FM and beyond, into deep mourning.
Onome’s death was announced by a fellow OAP, Gbemi Olateru -Olagbegi, who works with Beat FM and tweeted thus: ‘Rest in Peace, Big Tyme. Sigh. Just a pleasant happy guy.
Since his death was made public, Onome, who was popularly known as Bigtyme, has been eulogized by countless OAPs and Nigerians alike.
According to a tweet made by popular musician, Darey Art Alade, after Onome Oyaide’s death was confirmed, he was shocked at the news and went ahead to describe him as a great contributor to the world of entertainment.
His tweet: ‘An absolute influence on what we now have as today’s Nigerian Hip Hop and Pop culture’.
“A true gooner, music head, professional broadcaster with a solid voice and an all round good guy. Happy ascension brother Onome Oyaide aka Big Tyme. This hurts. Love and light.”
Reacting to Gbemi’s post, he added, “Just like that. He still wished me a happy birthday recently. Death stings!
Osagie Alonge, another Media personality also mourned the late OAP. His tweet: ‘Rest in Peace, Onome ‘Big Tyme’ Oyaide. Big brother, good friend, always looking out for others.’
As for Tracy Chapele-Ugo who works with Wazobia FM and popularly known as Suo, she paid her tributes after news of Onome Oyaide’s death hit the cyber space by sharing his picture and tweeting: ‘One minute he was tweeting just fine, larger than life and next he’s gone. RIP @937RhythmFm’s Big Tyme @OnomeOyaide
‘Cool cat, shayo man with a big heart. Modern Entertainment Radio in Nigeria can’t easily forget the joy you bring, man….This is just crazy, rest well Onome.’
@n6oflife tweeted: ‘Death is so Unfair. Rest in Paradise @OnomeOyaide, One of the Greatest OAPs ever liveth. You will be sorely missed my bro. Like Rhythm FM I am so BigTyme. We will love you Long Time. This one hurt badly.’
Another presenter, Osi Suave tweeted: ‘Rest well big tyme. I’m glad you lived life and you touched so many while doing it. I’d never forget you my big bro It hurts I won’t lie, it f**king hurts. Sleep with the angels.’
As for Music Executive, Osagie Alonge, he stated: ‘Rest in Peace Onome “BigTyme” Oyaide. Big brother, good friend, always looking out for others.’
The late Onome Oyaide was born and grew up in South Western Nigeria. He is of the Yoruba tribe. His programme in Rhythm FM gained him a huge number of listeners. He was born in the 80s and has done so well as a radio presenter that he was crowned as one of the most influential radio presenters.
Onome Oyaide’ death remains a shock to his teeming colleagues and friends and as at the time of filing this report, the cause of his death remains unknown. He died in the early hours of Sunday May 1, on the same day that workers celebrated their International Workers Day.
