In the past, mentioning of Fuji music means calling the names either of Late Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister or King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM1, the two biggest artists of the music genre, but today, Mr Fuji is Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. From a humble beginning in Mushin, Pasuma today is an international star.
Right from the release of his breakout album Orobokibo in 1995, Pasuma had held no bones about his intention to redefine the genre and take it to an unprecedented level. He took Fuji music to a whole new audience with his blend of hip-hop, street slang and fashion sense. It’s no surprise that he has been a constant feature on the Nigerian music scene for over 3 decades.
The music icon clocked the golden age of 50 yesterday with a post on his Instagram page
Pasuma is the only Fuji artiste who has successfully broken out of the confines of language and ethnicity, his music has gone far beyond the confines of his mainly Yoruba speaking south-west of Nigeria.
With his hip-hop outlook, denim jackets, Tommy Hilfiger shirts, baggy jeans, Kangol caps and heavy style glasses, it’s no surprise he adopted the moniker ‘African Puff Daddy.’ He struck a chord with the younger generation. Even if you didn’t know any Pasuma music, you certainly recognised him as the Fuji musician who did not seem like the other Fuji musicians. Pasuma even did gospel, what an artist!
Pasuma has had several collaborations with a number of hip-hop artists. He has also featured in a number of Nollyhood films and dated some of the stars in the industry. Without sounding too patronizing, Pasuma is the Fuji artiste other Fuji artistes want to be like.
He started the commemoration of his 50th birthday over two weeks ago on the social media climaxed yesterday with the legendary singer spotted celebrating with the less privileged in some areas of Lagos sharing food item and some other relief materials.
Pasuma was born on 27 November 1967. Happy birthday, Pasuma.
