Fuji, from inception, has been a genre of music that appeals to all cadres of society, especially among the Yoruba. The brand is an all-time relevant one in many ceremonies, including naming, marriage, housewarming, burial and other traditional occasions.
However, as against the situation of early 80’s when the genre was dominated by its creator, late Sikiru Ayinde Balogun (Barrister), his arch rival, Alhaji Rasak Kolawole Ayinla (Killington), Alhaji Fancy Aiye Alamu, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose, Alhaji Fatai Adio, Alhaji Rasidi Adio (Second Barrister), Alhaji Iyanda Sawaba and few others, Fuji has become a star-studded genre since late 80’s when different other practitioners started cropping up from different corners and with different styles which multiplied its fan base, even beyond the shores of Nigeria. And supremacy battle became the order of the day in the genre. Notable among these new entrants then were, Sir Shina Akanni, Alhaji Rashidi Ayinde (Merenge), Alhaji Wasiu Ayinla (Karachi), Alhaji Abass Akande (Obesere), Alhaji Isiaka Akanni (Easy Kabaka), Adewale Ayuba (Mr Johnson), Alhaji Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma), Alhaji Sefiu Adekunle Alao, Alhaji Saidi Akorede (Osupa) and many others.
He’s arguably the richest among the Fuji musicians at the moment. Apart from being the undisputable king of the genre, he’s, no doubt, the most influential among them all, having his tentacles all over Yoruba land. Since he was shot to limelight in 1984 with his hit album, Talazo 84, Oluaye of Fuji, as K1 is fondly addressed, has never looked back. His style of music was like the dawn of a new era in the industry and was the delight of many, especially the youth. A lot of young practitioners then, including Pasuma, Osupa and few others were motivated by K1’s classical Fuji. Indeed, the Ijebu Ode, Ogun born music icon remains a revolutionary and unequalled talent as far as Fuji is concerned. Having performed at different shows and concerts home and abroad and won accolades from different parts of the word, K1 is no doubt a force to reckon with in Nigerian entertainment industry. He’s marvellously blessed in all ramifications. The cornerstone of Fuji, as K1 is also known, is also a proud father of many children, but currently married to Titi Marshal from whom he has got two lovely kids. K1 has really moved the genre forward but not without one controversy or the other, especially his outburst on the creation of the genre which he claimed wasn’t by his mentor, boss and music godfather, Barrister. The issue almost tore the genre apart until recently when it eventually fizzled out and peace finally returned to the genre.
Alhaji Abass Akande is his real name, but popularly known as Obesere. The Ibadan, Oyo born energetic entertainer is also nicknamed Omo Rapala, Okokoriko, Sidophobia, Papa Tosibe, Alasakasa and many more. Since he came out with his Asakasa brand in the early 90’s, his lewd lyrics and energetic stage performance and much more have endeared into the minds of many fun-lovers, especially the youth. Obesere’s kind of accelerated beat was unique. However, the baby-faced Fuji artiste who also has widespread fans across the country and even beyond always picks his tent of enmity with Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, otherwise known as K1. But besides that, Obesere is widely accepted by different categories of people, especially on account of his humility which has no equal in the Fuji circuit. He has released many albums, and all were well accepted by his numerous fans home and abroad. As a complete entertainer, the Paramount King of Music has released a couple of hip-hop singles and has also featured in quite a number of movies. The new Alhaji Agba of Fuji, as Obesere is also known, is also well blessed and has built mansions for himself both in Lagos and his hometown, Ibadan, Oyo state.
He’s among very few musicians without children from different baby mamas. He married only one wife and the marriage is blessed with children (male and female).
Another firebrand Fuji artiste is Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Odetola, better addressed as Pasuma. The Oro, Kwara born entertainer remains a force to reckon with not only in the genre but Nigerian entertainment as a whole. Since he was shot to limelight in early 90’s with Orobokibo slang, the tempo of Fuji became electrified. His style of music started winning the hearts of youth across the Yoruba speaking states. He is truly a game changer as far as Nigerian music industry is concerned. The former Glo ambassador is perhaps the first Fuji artiste to veer into hip-hop and has equally featured in many Nigerian movies. However, one deficiency in the life of the likeable musician which keeps surprising his numerous friends and fans is his decision to remain single. Although, the Sheu of Fuji who just clocked 50 on Monday, November 27, 2017, he reportedly has seven children from different baby mamas, no woman has formally been identified with him as his wife. Paso Wonder who was formerly in the camp of K1 De Ultimate reportedly fell apart with the latter a couple of years back for an undisclosed reason and renounced the title of Arabambi 2, giving himself another title, Oga Nla which has since become his household name. He’s arguably among the richest Fuji artistes with a couple of houses and exotic cars to his credit.
Popularly referred to as JJC Omo Oko, Alhaji Shefiu Adekunle Alao has remained focused since he got to stardom in the early 90’s. He’s based in Abeokuta, Ogun state where he has taken the centre stage of entertainment over the years. He’s well respected for his lyrics which are quite philosophical. That alone has won him a lot of fans. He has performed in many shows and high profile ceremonies across the Yoruba land, especially Ogun where he’s based. He’s among very few Fuji musicians with little or no controversies in their kits. He has also released many albums, and they’re all sold out. He’s from Abeokuta, Ogun state.
No doubt, Alhaji Saidi Okunola Akorede, famously addressed as Osupa, is among the super artistes that Fuji has produced. Apart from being a fantastic lyricist, the Ibadan, Oyo born entertainer also understands melody which music lovers across Yoruba speaking states fall for any time they listen to his music. Although tagged controversial, Oba Nla, as Osupa is fondly addressed, remains a topshot in the genre. He was enmeshed in a deep controversy in 2008 when he was pronounced king of music by late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. That’s the beginning of his unending battle with Pasuma and K1 De Ultimate until 2010 when the issue was resolved by the elders in the genre led by Barrister. However, till date, both Pasuma and Osupa have remained pseudo-friends. The Matagbamole of Fuji is well blessed also. He has performed all around the country, having his fan base enlarged daily. He has about four houses in Lagos and hometown, Ibadan, Oyo state and a fleet of cars to his credit.
Also known as Mr Johnson, Adewale Ayuba is widely respected for his urbane lyrics and composition. He’s also perhaps the best dancer among all Fuji artistes. Ayuba shot to limelight also in the 90’s via his hit album, Bonsue Fuji. He has since become a super force in the genre. His style of Fuji is unique and unbeatable in the industry. The Ikenne, Ogun born entertainer is perhaps the most admired Fuji singer by corporate guys. His level of education has also upped his ante and has earned him respect in the high society circuit. He’s also among the very few entertainers that married only one wife. However, the news of the Bonsue crooner went viral sometime in 2016 when he dumped Islam for Christianity. His decision stirred controversy in the entertainment industry and beyond. But no matter what, that has not affected his social engagements as the sensational Fuji artiste still performs in high profile events across the country and beyond.
Another top player in the Fuji genre is Alhaji Sulaimon Adekunle Alao, better addressed as Malaika. Since he came to limelight in the mid-90’s, he has not disappointed his fans. Although the Qibla of Fuji, as Malaika is also known, is from Abeokuta, Ogun state, he’s based in Lagos. He’s no doubt among the richest players in the genre. He’s one of the very few without controversies among his colleagues. The Alayeluwa of Fuji, as he is also known, Malaika is also blessed with lovely children, one of whom graduated from University of Lagos this year with Second Class Upper division (2.1) in Business Administration. The talented and humble musician is one of the marvellously blessed in the entertainment industry at the moment. Aside from the numerous exotic automobiles, including 4matic Mercedes Benz, Range Rover Evogue, Bentley and others in his garage, he has also built two mansions, one of which will be officially opened on Sunday, December 10, 2017.