By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Fuji music scene in Nigeria is witnessing a dynamic shift as Alhaji Tiri Alamu Leather, a protégé of legendary Fuji icon Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, cements his place as a mentor to a new generation of Fuji artists.
In a recently shared group photo on social media, Tiri Leather was seen posing with his mentees, with a visible banner in the background bearing the image of Pasuma and an inscription that partially read: “Alhaji Tiri Leather’s Sons.” The post has since sparked discussions within the Fuji music industry, reinforcing Tiri Leather’s growing influence.
It is widely acknowledged that Tiri Leather himself rose under the guidance of Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla Fuji or Ijoba Fuji. Now, having built his own reputation, he has taken young Fuji artists under his wing, nurturing them to success. With over ten mentees, all making waves in the Fuji music scene, he has earned admiration from fans and industry insiders alike.
This growing prominence has led to a new title for Tiri Leather among Fuji enthusiasts: “Mr. Take-Over in Oluyole.” Some also refer to him as “Mr. Olu’badan”, signifying his dominance in Oyo State’s Fuji music landscape. His steady rise suggests he is not just a major contender but a leader among his contemporaries, shaping the future of Fuji music in the region.
With his mentees thriving and his influence spreading, Tiri Leather’s journey highlights the cyclical nature of mentorship in Fuji music—where one generation nurtures the next while preserving and evolving the genre’s rich legacy.
