Veteran Nigerian journalist and renowned Fuji music promoter, Prince Femi Akinrinwa, has urged King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM1) to address controversies surrounding the history of Fuji music. Akinrinwa, a key figure in promoting the genre and its artists, emphasized that fostering unity within the industry requires KWAM1 to present an accurate account of Fuji music’s origins and recognize the contributions of other artists.
The Birth of Fuji Music
In an exclusive interview with The Merit Newspaper on Saturday, November 23, 2024, Akinrinwa recounted the evolution of Wéré music—a traditional Islamic musical style used during Ramadan—into the modern Fuji genre. He explained that the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, widely recognized as the pioneer of Fuji music, transformed Wéré into a distinctive genre that has since captivated audiences in Nigeria and beyond.
“The late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister created Fuji music from the Wéré genre,” Akinrinwa stated. “Contrary to King Wasiu Ayinde’s claims, those he refers to as pioneers of Fuji were not responsible for the genre’s creation. It was Ayinde Barrister’s innovation that birthed Fuji music as we know it today.”
KWAM1 and the Responsibility of Leadership
Akinrinwa stressed the importance of unity in the Fuji music industry, urging KWAM1 to acknowledge the efforts of other artists, both senior and junior, who have helped sustain the genre. He highlighted prominent figures such as General Kollington Ayinla as the number one personality in the Fuji music industry, along with Shina Akanni, Shefiu Alao, Adewale Ayuba, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Sulaimon Alao Malaika, and Sulaimon Adio Atawewe.
“The younger Fuji artists have significantly contributed to the survival and success of the genre,” Akinrinwa remarked. “KWAM1 must recognize their efforts and understand that the glory of Fuji music belongs to all its practitioners, not just one individual.”
He further urged the King of Fuji music to bridge divides with younger artists and avoid actions that could create discord.
A Call for Unity
Prince Akinrinwa reiterated his call for Fuji artists to prioritize fairness and collaboration. He emphasized that the enduring legacy of Fuji music depends on collective efforts, rather than individual dominance.
“The contributions of young artists like Pasuma and Saheed Osupa cannot be ignored,” he said. “For Fuji music to thrive, mutual respect and cooperation among all its practitioners are essential.”
The Controversy with Wasiu Alabi Pasuma
An anonymous Fuji promoter corroborated Akinrinwa’s sentiments, revealing a longstanding tension between KWAM1 and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, one of the genre’s most celebrated artists. According to the source, KWAM1 has been reluctant to embrace Pasuma, despite the latter openly regarding him as a role model. The feud, which reportedly began in the early 1990s, was partially resolved in 1994 through the intervention of Akinrinwa.
The source further noted that similar rivalries within the Fuji industry, such as that between Taiye Currency and Tiri Leather, have hindered its growth. “As Pasuma supported Taiye Currency’s rise to fame, KWAM1 should adopt the spirit of lifting others, rather than creating barriers,” the source remarked.
As Fuji music continues to expand its influence on global audiences, the call for unity and historical accuracy remains crucial to the genre’s success.
