Popular fuji singer, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has said that his mentor, the late Sikiru ‘Ayinde’ Barrister, transformed the Fuji music genre and placed it on the worldwide map.
Ayinde, who spoke at the maiden edition of ‘Fuji: A Opera’, said, “I am speaking on behalf of the forefathers that did graciously well to the formation of ‘Ajisare Ajiwere’ before the late Ayinde Barrister turned it into a mega success that we are seeing today. God used Barrister to make a turnaround for fuji music to the standard we are seeing now. I stand here to affirm that he is truly the creator of it. Barrister is our own Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed because he was responsible for the turnaround of fuji music. I am a direct beneficiary because I started with him. He graciously accepted me and gave me the tutelage I needed. I served him very well and learnt the rudiments of that genre of music from him.”
Reacting to the issues of rivalry between him and some of his colleagues, K1 said, “I do not like it when people ask me about rivalry. I have said it earlier, why should I be in a squabble with Ayuba, Obesere, Pasuma or anybody else. Those questions get me irritated because we have issues ahead of us. I am sure the family of the late Barrister is happy that 10 years after his demise, the world could come together for him, and such a beautiful project could be set up. I am sure anybody who never accepted him being a Fuji man before by now will appreciate the fact that the man has truly done something”, said K1 De Ultimate.
Speaking on the acceptance of Fuji music, the musician said, “I am so proud and grateful that we have something to call our own. Fuji music has become globally accepted. I’ve performed in world-rated concerts in the United States of America, France, England and many other countries. We have performed fuji music at international music expositions and festivals. Fuji is now big business and should be taken seriously. I look forward to the younger generation embracing Fuji music and expressing themselves through it like we did, and also making a successful livelihood from it. Fuji is now big business and should be taken seriously.”
Meanwhile, the multi-platform Fuji Opera exhibition also showcased futuristic presentation of Fuji to promote a more positive contemporary image of the indigenous multi-genre fusion locally and globally. Present at the lecture were members of the Fuji Musician Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders in the industry.
