Imo entertainment stakeholders plan tribute concert for late music icon Pal Akalonu
-Seek financial support
By Jotham Emenyonu
A committee of prominent stakeholders in Imo State’s entertainment industry has announced plans to stage a Night of Tributes and Concert in honour of late music icon, Chief Pal Akalonu, as part of activities leading to his burial.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Owerri, the committee chairman, Chief Alan B. Onyemechi, said the event will hold at the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. He explained that the tribute concert is being organised to celebrate the remarkable life and enduring contributions of the late music legend to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Speaking separately, the committee’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Emma Okala; Secretary, Mr. Freedom Ekewuba; Mr. Paul Chukwu; and Chairman, Chief Alan B. Onyemechi, described Akalonu as one of the pioneers of Nigerian popular music whose passion and dedication helped shape the country’s music industry, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s.
According to them, the late music promoter played a vital role in nurturing and promoting some of the biggest names and bands of the era, including Sweet Breeze Apostles, Founders 15, and several other renowned musical groups from within and outside the South-East.
The committee disclosed that the tribute concert is expected to attract musicians, broadcasters, entertainment practitioners, notable political figures and other distinguished personalities from within and outside Imo State.
Appealing for public support, the organisers called on stakeholders, philanthropists and lovers of music across Imo State to contribute financially towards the successful hosting of the event, describing it as a befitting honour for a man whose contributions to Nigerian music remain invaluable.
The planning committee is coordinated by Pastor Kingsley Dallas Anyanwu (Sweet Breeze), who was represented at the briefing by Olaedo Dallas Anyanwu.
The committee expressed optimism that the tribute concert would provide an opportunity for admirers, colleagues, friends and family members to celebrate the life, legacy and lasting impact of the late Pal Akalonu on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, the Akalonu family has released the burial programme for the late Chief Pal Akalonu, who died at the age of 91.
According to the family, activities will commence on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with a Service of Songs at 5:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, Ubah Mbaoma (Emii), Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
On Friday, August 21, 2026, the body will depart Holy Rosary Mortuary, Emekuku, at 8:00 a.m., proceeding first to his maternal home in Umuolu-Ezimba, Emii, before moving to his hometown, Umunkara-Umuagwu, Ubah Mbaoma, Emii.
The body will lie in state at his residence at 10:00 a.m., while the Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish, Ubah Mbaoma, Emii.
A private interment at his residence will follow at 1:00 p.m., after which guests will be entertained at a reception hosted at the church premises.
The burial rites will conclude with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish, Ubah Mbaoma, Emii, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The burial arrangements were signed by Hendrix Akalonu on behalf of the family.
