Music pundits agree till date that the ‘fuji’ genre of music remains one of the original musical sounds from Nigeria.
In this piece, we look at the 10 biggest fuji musicians still rocking the scene, performing at the biggest shows, and churning out albums on a regular basis.
K1 (Wasiu Ayinde Marshal)
Unarguably the oldest and the most experienced, Wasiu Ayinde Omogbolahan Anifowoshe ranks top in the list of leading fuji artistes in the country.
One of the features that had consistently worked for K1, as he now loves to be called, is his ability to serenade each year with at least two hits and a local slang that sticks with followers and lovers of fuji music.
K1 wields an unimaginable influence across different social strata and he appeals to a wider audience all around the world.
Pasuma (Wasiu Ajibola Alabi)
Wasiu Ajibola Alabi ‘Pasuma’ has been able to remain the most relevant fuji star after K1, owing to the obvious fact that his voice and talent has made him like a bright star after he gained prominence from his Mushin origins.
Currently the boss of Wasbar Records, Pasuma has collaborated with more pop acts than any other fuji musician in history.
Sulaimon Atawewe
Sulaimon Atawewe is another fantastic fuji musician, who has always been on top of his game.
From the number of shows he gets to perform at, and the number of albums released yearly, Sulaimon remains consistent in the fuji music industry.
KS1 (Sule Alao Malaika)
Unknown to many, a lot of Sule Alao Malaika’s hits have been adopted by pop acts that include Wande Coal.
His strong point remains his ability to always connect with the upwardly mobile – something he learnt from K1.
KS1 kicked off his career from Lagos Island, a place teeming with several fuji artistes, and has over the years created a large fan base and listeners that are scattered all over the world.
Saheed Osupa
Often referred to as the most controversial Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa won the hearts of music lovers after his sophomore and third albums were released.
After his pronouncement as the king of music by late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, this HND holder became the most controversial fuji star in the game and he never bows out of a confrontation from anyone.
Taiye Currency
Currently, the most successful and popular fuji act in Oyo State with an impressive fan base in Ibadan, Taiye Currency joins the list as one of the leading and popular fuji artistes in recent time.
For over a decade, Taiye has held down his Ibadan base and remains committed to giving the large fan base in Oyo State quality fuji music.
Remi Aluko
This is one man who – as a Christian – has made a name for himself as one of the leading fuji stars around.
Remi Aluko‘s songs aren’t only the best you can get around, and he also has interestingly amazing following. He’s well known as Ajela.
He’s fond of giving a fuji touch to several hip hop tunes, but he appeals to a large audience that are mostly transporters or conductors.
Abass Akande Obesere
Call him the wittiest of them all and you won’t be far from the truth. His input and rise in the industry has always been coloured with his daring acts and controversial status.
Obesere has gone from wearing female attires to featuring Cossy Orjiakor in one of his musical videos.
He’s recently veered into pop music with his recent collabo with YBNL boss, Olamide; a move that earned him the Fuji Artiste of the year award at the recently held City People Entertainment Award.
Shefiu Alao
Just as Taiye Currency holds sway in Ibadan, Shefiu Alao is the king of Ogun State with his ‘musical palace’ situated in the heart of Abeokuta.
Love or it or hate it, this list can’t be complete without the inclusion of the fuji singer.
Muri Thunder
Several years ago, Muri Thunder rose from the Ajegunle/Okokomaiko slums to become a respected fuji artiste.
At a young age, Muri appealed to a much older audience as he consistently maintained that he took cues from the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
He has remained consistent in his game doing as much as he can to remain relevant and just like a few others on this list, he shares a considerable fan base with other fuji acts.