By Dayo Showemimo
Iconic Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Omogbolahan Anifowoshe has been to several countries in the world and performed at over 500 concerts since he released his first album in 1980.
And just like a crusader of the Fuji music, K1 has not only won over fans from different political, social and economical strata but has also ‘converted’ many into becoming followers of Fuji music – most especially with his urbane style.
Respected and loved across the land and beyond, the Fuji king cut short his world tour to hold an unusual concert tagged ‘K1 Unusual.’ Scheduled to hold on Friday, November 21, 2014 at Eko Hotel Convention Centre, K1 will be performing alongside top Nigerian pop acts including 2face Idibia, Olamide, Omawumi, Lagbaja and Adewale Ayuba.
In this interview w, K1 spoke on his career, his show and the current state of the nation.
Tell us about your upcoming concert K1 Unusual?
‘K1 Unusual’ is a unique Fuji music show, which will be far different from other concerts. I am promoting Fuji music as an indigenous music and there is much to expect because I will be bringing together different genres of music within the Fuji concept.
What brought about the concept of K1 Unusual?
The truth of it is that nothing convinced me to come up with the idea; it has been my dream to see Fuji music grow into this state in the music industry.
What makes the show unusual?
We call it unusual because there are several misconceptions about Fuji music. Some people even said it’s the music of the touts but these are absolutely false and untrue. The fact is, Fuji music remains the leading and surviving indigenous music in Nigeria. One of the ‘unusuals’ is that, for the first time, a Fuji artiste is going to headline a show that has leading Nigerian entertainers such as 2face, Lagbaja, Olamide, among others.
With 2face involved in the concert, do we expect a collaboration from you both?
(Laughs) Definitely, you will see the unusual at the concert, when you come you would see indigenous performances from various artistes.
Most Fuji shows tend to exhibit forms of violence, do we expect an organised Fuji concert this time?
Most times, there could be disagreements between people at some shows most especially when it is a crowded show and at a disorganised venue but trust me, Fuji music is not what people assume it to be, Fuji shows are organized shows that are so loved and accepted by people.
Will it be a continuous Fuji concert annually?
It can’t stop because it would never be stopped.
Who are the artistes headlining for the Fuji Concert?
Its tagged K1 Unusual, so as times goes on, you will get to see the headliners, we can’t reveal for now, just expect the Unusual. We would also offer the best brains that people haven’t seen before.
Do we get to see fellow Fuji acts like Pasuma Wonder and Ayuba?
It’s called unusual, when you come for the concert you will see what the unusual would be like.
Some Fuji artistes are fond of referring to themselves as kings, what does it take to become a King in Fuji music?
If you go to Cross River state, there are many Kings, but the truth of the matter is that in Calabar, the Obong of Calabar is the paramount.
Tell us about your album, ‘State of the Nation.’ What brought about the title?
It’s about the situation and crisis we face everywhere in our country. The country is drifting apart day by day, that is why I’m using this medium to address the challenges through my music.
Why the choice of Olamide in your tour, with so many Fuji artistes around you?
Featuring Olamide on the tour is all about the new and old generations, the bridge between the old and the new, we are sharing the same understanding campaign.
There is speculation that almost all the Fuji artiste aren’t pleased with each other, do you have a mutual relationship with all of them?
I’m a senior colleague to all the greatest Fuji artistes in Nigeria, and I maintain good relationship with all of them.
There was also speculation that you and Saheed Osupa were having a feud, what was it all about?
It would be wrong to assume that there was a rift between me and Saheed Osupa because he is so junior to me. When we talk about Fuji music, this is my 43rd year in the industry that should make you know, I’m a senior colleague to a whole a lot of artistes.
Why is it that Fuji artistes marry more than one wives?
Fela married 27 wives, whatever anybody does about his life, they should be left alone. Even in the Bible, Solomon married 700 wives and 300 concubines, God didn’t crucify him.
Is the tale about you moving to Ijebu Ode for political reasons true?
I didn’t relocate to Ijebu because of any political ambition. I have freedom of movement; it could be Ibadan where I also own a big house. So, it could be anywhere. Moving back to Ijebu has nothing to do with politics.
Words had it that you were contemplating contesting for Senate under the APC, how true is that?
I’m not contesting for any political post.
What is your take on Nigerian celebrities going into politics?
Everybody is free to seek for a political office so long you are a Nigerian, it’s everybody’s right. At times, you don’t need to seek office before you become useful to your community. I have been of service to the people all my life. I have rendered services to my community in so many ways. I am still doing it and I will continue to do it.
What is next after the K1 Unusual concert?
Continuation of my World Tour. Continuation of great songs and spectacular performances. It is going to be bigger than this. I am going to have the biggest world tour of five cities, starting from February 14, 2014 and runs through May, 2015. The tour cities are London, Los Angeles, Miami, Johannesburg and Lagos, Nigeria.
What is the source of your strength on stage? Do you use any enhancer for your performances?
Unfortunately, I don’t do drugs. On record, I’ve not smoked since I became a musician, I remember I used to smoke cigarette in my early days, and I was able to stop it even before I became recognised. Ever since then I’ve never smoked in my life or used any enhancer. But when you see me on stage, you’ll think I’ve just been injected, but the truth of it is that I stay healthy as much as possible and I’m very passionate about my music.
