Legendary Fuji icon, Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere, popularly known as PK1st and Agbaakin Abobagunwa of Yoruba Land, has issued a stern warning to his colleagues currently embroiled in a seniority dispute, asking to be left out of the ongoing conflict.
The Nigerian Fuji music scene has been shaken by a war of words among Fuji stars, including Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Taiye Currency, and others. The controversy began a few weeks ago when Taiye Currency made remarks on stage about how many of today’s Fuji stars were mentored by established musicians before they rose to fame. He specifically mentioned that Pasuma was tutored by Obesere, while Sefiu Alao was mentored by Alhaji Shina Akanni, among others.
Currency’s comments, however, sparked outrage among Pasuma’s fans, who took to social media to refute the claim that Obesere played a significant role in Pasuma’s early career. In response, Obesere’s fans also joined the fray, sharing evidence on social media to support the assertion that Obesere had indeed been a mentor to Pasuma. They cited an instance where Pasuma himself acknowledged that Obesere helped launch his first album in 1993 at LSDP Estate, Isolo, Lagos, which catapulted him into the limelight. Additionally, they recalled how Pasuma used to accompany Obesere to performances at the Stadium Hotel in Surulere, Lagos, where Obesere would encourage him by handing over the microphone during shows.
Obesere’s supporters further pointed out that the Fuji maestro has served as a role model for many younger Fuji musicians, some of whom, they claim, have become egotistical and forgotten their humble beginnings in the wake of fame and fortune.
In a statement from Obesere’s camp, his representatives urged the younger Fuji stars to stop dragging the legendary musician into their rivalry. “All lovers of the Fuji music industry know the truth. Agbaakin Abobagunwa of Yoruba Land, Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere, is a legend and a role model to all of them. My principal cannot be fighting for superiority. He is already a legend, standing alongside other greats like Alhaji Kolington Ayinla, aka Kebe Kwara, and the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, the creator of Fuji music. May Almighty Allah be pleased with him.”
The statement concluded with a firm reminder to Fuji musicians involved in the dispute: “Obesere is made already and doesn’t need the endorsement of anyone to solidify his legendary status. It is high time these younger stars focused on their craft rather than engaging in unnecessary seniority battles.”
