From Mushin to Ibadan, Oganla Fuji’s protégés Taye Currency and Tiri Leather are topping charts — but their rise only proves that Pasuma remains the king they can’t dethrone.
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS, Nigeria — In the ever-vibrant world of Fuji music, one name continues to echo louder than the rest — Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla Fuji or Ijoba Fuji. Decades after bursting onto the scene, Pasuma remains the most trending and influential Fuji artiste in Nigeria today, with his protégés, Taye Currency and Tiri Leather, following closely behind in the second and third positions respectively.
Industry observers say that while both Taye Currency and Tiri Leather have carved out unique identities for themselves, their rise to stardom cannot be separated from Pasuma’s far-reaching influence and mentorship within the Fuji fraternity.
The Oganla Legacy
Born in Mushin, Lagos, and raised by his mother, Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola, Pasuma began his musical journey in the mid-1980s before releasing his breakthrough album Recognition in 1993. His street-smart charisma, electrifying performances, and mastery of modernized Fuji have earned him millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond.
Often described as a bridge between the old and new generations of Fuji musicians, Pasuma successfully transformed the genre’s image — introducing hip-hop collaborations, youthful energy, and global appeal without losing Fuji’s cultural roots.
It is this cross-generational relevance, entertainment experts argue, that positioned him as a mentor and role model to many rising Fuji stars.
From Mushin to Ibadan: The Rise of His “Boys”
Among the biggest beneficiaries of Pasuma’s mentorship are Alhaji Adebisi Akande Taye, famously known as Taye Currency, and Alhaji Tirimisiyu Alamu, better known as Tiri Leather.
Taye Currency, who hails from Ibadan, started his career in his teenage years but gained national attention after Pasuma’s endorsement and stage collaborations in the early 2000s. His unique blend of traditional Fuji rhythms with streetwise lyrics won him a loyal following, particularly in the South West, where he is regarded as the “Ibadan Fuji Lion.”
According to industry accounts, Pasuma not only inspired Currency’s musical direction but also opened doors for him through joint performances and mentorship that helped refine his stage craft.
“Taye Currency remains one of the few Fuji artistes who have been able to balance respect for the legends with appeal to the youth,” said a Fuji analyst based in Lagos. “But make no mistake, his foundation was built on Pasuma’s blueprint of resilience and reinvention.”
Tiri Leather: The New Generation Voice
In recent years, a new voice has emerged under Pasuma’s influence — Tiri Leather. The Ibadan-born act has risen steadily to become one of the most talked-about young Fuji artistes in Nigeria.
Tiri Leather’s vocal pattern, lyrical agility, and fashion-forward persona have drawn comparisons to his mentor. He is often referred to as the “modern face of Pasuma’s Fuji legacy.”
“Pasuma gave me confidence,” Tiri Leather once said in an interview. “He taught me that Fuji is not just about singing; it’s about commanding the stage, connecting with the fans, and keeping the culture alive.”
His endorsement by Pasuma has earned him nationwide recognition, with fans describing him as the “future of Fuji.”
A Thriving Dynasty
Fuji insiders describe Pasuma’s current reign as the height of a musical dynasty that continues to inspire new waves of artists. His ability to reinvent his sound, collaborate across generations, and nurture upcoming stars has set him apart as more than a performer — but a cultural institution.
“Taye Currency and Tiri Leather are products of the Oganla school of sound,” a Lagos-based promoter told The Merit Newspaper. “They may have found their own voices, but their roots trace back to Pasuma’s style, his discipline, and his charisma.”
As it stands today, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma remains not just the most trending Fuji artiste, but also the genre’s most enduring brand. His influence continues to shape the direction of modern Fuji, with Taye Currency and Tiri Leather proudly carrying the torch.
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From Mushin to Ibadan, and across the global Fuji diaspora, the message is clear — Pasuma is still the “Ijoba Fuji,” while his protégés, Taye Currency and Tiri Leather, represent the next chapters in a legacy that refuses to fade.
