Fuji: A Opera: Giving Fuji music a brighter future – The Nation Nigeria

By Gbenga Bada

WHEN Adeoye ‘Bobo’ Omotayo thought out the necessity to contribute his quota to one of many longest serving music genres in Nigeria, Fuji, it was borne out of the love for the style.

The younger Omotayo expressed his love and resolution to advertise the style of music for the consumption of an even bigger viewers throughout all stata, age, and race.

“When FUJI: A Opera was created, it was for each particular person throughout all strata. The creation is a multi-platform, multi-media explosion of tradition centered on revitalising and reimagining the Fuji musical style for a brand new viewers, capturing the creativeness of Nigerians,” he famous.

The one-week lengthy music fiesta made its debut between December 14 and December 19, 2020.

Explaining his concept of the style of music, Omotayo mentioned, “Fuji is among the most genuine home-grown music genres to have emerged from Nigeria. It’s a wealthy subculture with a belligerent previous, arguably originating from the streets of Lagos Island as Ajiwere (folks music for Islamic worshippers at Ramadan), the style has since undergone vital transformation, changing into reference sound for up to date Nigerian pop.”

The music fiesta creation, Fuji: A Opera had in six day, showcased the perfect of Fuji music whereas paying homage to the music style in a multi-media set up exhibition, a chat collection with K1 De Final, and a stay music showcase of the style’s lead performers.

With companions that embody 3101 Media, the Fuji Musicians Affiliation of Nigeria, Alliance Francaise de Lagos, Coca-Cola Nigeria Restricted, The Wheatbaker Lagos, and Bombay Sapphire, the one week lengthy music fiesta had over 2,000 individuals stroll by its gates in honour of the spectacular occasion.

Kollington provides a nod to actions

The week-long exercise was declared open on Monday, December 14 by the oldest residing Fuji pioneer and performer, Basic Ayinla Kollington. The elated Fuji veteran couldn’t conceal his pleasure on the prominence given to the style of music, which he had contributed to for over three many years.

Basic Kollington was led on a tour of the exhibition by the creator of FUJI: A Opera, Adeoye ‘Bobo’ Omotayo, who took the 74-year previous singer by a state-of-the-art multi-media set up that explored in nice depth the wealthy Fuji sub-culture by archival recordings, a historic timeline, costumes, and never-seen-before merchandise.

In attendance on the official week launch had been business practitioners, tradition custodians and music followers.

Fuji: A Opera at a look

On Wednesday, December 16, the week-long music fiesta took a brand new flip as one of many legacies of late Fuji veteran was unveiled. A VIP preview of the exhibition doubled as a celebration of the lifetime of Fuji music creator, late Late Sikiru Ayinde Agbajelola Barrister. The date coincided with the 10th 12 months remembrance of the late Fuji icon.

To immortalise the late Fuji songster, a mural was unveiled in honour of his legacy by the creator and govt producers of the occasion. The exercise had Omotayo flanked by K1 De Final and the President of the Fuji Musicians Affiliation of Nigeria, Sikiru Ayinde Agboola. In furtherance, a particular ‘Creator Award’ was offered to the household of the late hero and it was obtained by his eldest son, Rasak Balogun, and his two wives.

The honour was adopted by an eclectic rendition of the Fuji music to one and all. The Bombay Sapphire-bankrolled occasion was a particular Fuji Reimagination set by DJ Aye of VSS.

On Thursday, December 17, a chat collection passed off. A 90-minute discuss collection tagged ‘An Viewers with K1 De Final’ and moderated by Yemi Shodimu and Lehle Bedle had many getting information of Fuji music.

The day, which was in partnership with Common Music Nigeria, noticed journalists, business practitioners, and traders in Fuji music, having an opportunity to listen to the Fuji veteran, and probably the most profitable Fuji artiste of all time, K1 De Final, as he unraveled the style’s obscure previous, threw gentle on the current and insights for reimagining its future.

The grand finale of this landmark occasion ended with an invitation-only stay music showcase which featured icons of the style together with Sule Matute, The SK Sensation Band, KS1 Malaika, Saheed Osupa and the headliner act, K1 De Final – on stage for one night time solely.

The stage was set for the proper temper as these veterans handled the crème of company and social Nigeria to their signature sounds, wealthy vocals, and instrumental prowess. It was a night of appreciation for the Fuji style.

The night ended with K1 De Final ushering the creator and govt producers onto the stage for a closing sing alongside to his iconic crowd pleaser ‘Omo Naija’.

The occasion paid homage to pays homage to Fuji music greats who’ve contributed to this unbelievable they usually embody late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Ayinla Kollington, K1 De Final, Abdul Azeez Oladeji (Love Azeez), Abimbo Aremu Kowobari, Abiodun Ike Minister (Aremo Alayeluwa), Adeolu Akanni (Paso Egba), Adewale Ayuba, Adisa Alasela, Ajadi Alayande, Ajadi Ganiyu, Alhaji Agbada-Owo, Aremu Aladeowo, Ayinde Commissioner, Ayinde Muniru, Straightforward Kabaka, Fancy Aye Alamu, Fatai Adio, Ganiyu Abefe, Isiaka Akanji, Isiaka Alani, Isiaka Iyanda Sawaba, Jamiu Ajadi, Jibowu Barrister, Karube Aloma, Karubey Shimiu, Kawu Aminu, King Dr.Saheed Osupa, Kollington Ayinde, Komi Jackson, Lateef Ayinla Forsure, Lateef Ilori, Morufu Adisa, Muri Alabi Thunder, Muri Bosunkun, Murphy Adisa Sabaika, Musibau Alani, Nuraini Bonanza, Obesere Abass Akande, Ololade Toyin Adio, Olusegun Ologo, Oyama Azeez , Rahimi Ayinde Bokos, Ramoni Akanni, Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle Merenge, Remi Aluko (Igwe fuji), Saheed Osupa, Saka Danfo, Samsondeen Alamu, Segeme Ayinla, Segun Michael, Shamu Nokia, Shefiu Adekunle Alao, Shina Akanni, Shina Akanni Aroworeyin, Sikiru Ayinde Kolotiti (now SK Sensation), Sir Keyen, Sulaimon Adigun, Sulaimon Alao Adekunle Malaika, Sule Adio (Atawéwé), Sunny Melody, Sunny T Adesokan, Taiye Foreign money, Tunde Ileiru, Wahabi Ilori, Wahidi Akangbe, Wasiu Ajani, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma(Oganla 1), Wasiu Ayinla Karachi, Yahaya Daniya.