Fuji music is unique to Nigeria and dates back to the late 1950s, popularised by Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, who conceived the term “fújì.”
Since then, many musicians have taken up the mantle and continue to promote the purity of the fújì sound as they provide entertainment and tell the stories of our people to preserve them.
Fuji: A Opera has a reputation for delivering uninhibited Fuji entertainment, this time, its organizers teamed up with Goldberg Lager Beer to co-curate ‘Fuji in The Garden’, in collaboration with FUMAN (Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria) and RF Gardens, Ikoyi and the results – pure magic!
The intimate live music show kicked off with an electric performance from Fuji child star, the ‘Wayne of Fuji’, Shanko Rasheed. Shanko thrilled the crowd to some of his old hits, including ‘No Doubting’ and ‘Action’.
Fans at Fuji in The Garden experienced an introspective Shanko, who showcased how his music style has evolved over the years. His performance, although high-energy, was rich in folklore, with the talented artist drawing life parallels.
Shanko was the perfect opening act; he helped energize the crowd in anticipation of the headline act, Abass Akande Obesere. If you have never experienced Obesere live, then words can never do justice.
Obesere at ‘Fuji in The Garden’ reminded us of Pink Floyd at Live 8 – only with a smaller crowd and a far more eclectic band, but it is nothing short of brilliance.
From one hit to another, fans sang along to every live rendition from ‘Egungun be Careful’ to ‘Asakasa’. The energy was particularly electric when Obesere’s dancers stormed the stage, schooling us all on how to move to a Fuji beat!
‘Fuji in The Garden’ was made possible by the brand heavily invested in nurturing and preserving the Fuji music genre – Goldberg Lager Beer. Guests enjoyed the rich-tasting lager alongside some delicious grills – throughout the night.
‘Fuji in The Garden’ was brought to you by FUJI: A Opera, a multi-dimensional entertainment platform that deconstructs fuji music – from its past and re-imagines it for a new generation.
Stay close to @FujiOpera on social media and be the first to get front row access to all its upcoming shows.
