Music is an integral art found in every human society. Modern music is heard in a mystifying profusion of styles, many of them contemporary, others formed in past eras.Music can be divided into genres and subgenres. There are dividing lines and relationships between musical genres, sometimes open to personal interpretation, and occasionally controversial.
Today, we would be exploring Fuji, a popular Nigerian music genre.
Fuji music began as a modification of Ajisari or Ajiwere music. Ajiwere music is a traditional Islamic style of music used to rouse Muslims up during the Ramadan fast in Nigeria. The integration of Quranic references and allusions in the lyrics, combined with the use of the Yoruba language and traditional musical instruments, made the genre more popular around the Yoruba communities.
Early performers of Ajiwere music drew inspiration from the Yoruba Sakara music style. Sakara music comprises of praise songs, that use only traditional Yoruba instruments such as the solemn-sounding Goje violin and the small round Sakara drum, which is like a tambourine and is beaten with a stick.
The Fuji style of music was created and made popular by Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, who was the lead singer/composer of the popular Ajisari group, Jibowu Barrister. This group was under the leadership of Alhaji Jibowu Barrister. Fuji music is therefore a subgenre of the Ajiwere/ Ajisari music.
The name ‘Fuji’ was given by Ayinde Barrister when he came across a poster of Japan’s Mount Fuji at an airport.
Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister incorporated other Nigerian genres of music such as Apala, Sakara, Juju, Aro, Afro, Gudugudu and Highlife to the Fuji music. In addition to being inspired by these different genres, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister also mixed in beats from the Sakara drum. Foreign musical instruments used by Juju and Highlife musicians were also integrated to create a distinctive type of music.
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Popular modern Fuji musicians in Nigeria include Ayinde Wasiu Mashal (KWAM 1), Pasuma Wonder, Abass Akande Obesere, Saheed Osupa, Adewale Ayuba, Taiye Currency, Sule Alao Malaika, Shefiu Alao, Muri Thunder, Remi Aluko and many more.
Obesere’s song “Egungun be Careful” produced over 10 years ago, recently had a comeback after being used as a meme. It has generated a lot of renewed popularity for Obesere and the Fuji music.
Considering the Covid-19 pandemic and the safety precautions to adhere to, KWAM did a short song during a recent live performance to highlight some safety measures required during this period.
Tell us your favorite Fuji musicians and songs. We are waiting.