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Sikiru Ayinde Barrister: 9 Years Without Fuji Exponent | By Waheed Ganiyu

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Exactly 9 years ago, Nigerian music icon, Dr. Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Balogun popularly known across the globe as Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Alhaji Agba and Mr. Fuji died at St. Mary’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Incontrovertibly, Barrister is regarded as the Fuji creator.

Prior to naming his own brand of music as Fuji what it used to be was ‘were’ genre, which served as a means of entertaining the Muslim faithful during the month of Ramadan. But Sikiru Ayinde established Fuji, a name which according to him was derived from a mountain in Japan (Mount Fuji). Obviously, Barrister made Fuji genre to have commercial appeal.

During his lifetime , Barrister had over 100 albums to his  name and he inspired not only Fuji musicians, but from other genres. According to Sir Shina Peters, Barrister inspired him to release his debut ‘Aye’ in 1989. Shina was challenged when he saw how Barrister combined different juju music instruments in ‘Fuji Garbage’ series 2, in 1988.

Call him a prophet, you’re correct. There’s no doubt that Barrister had the premonition of the present insecurity and other social challenges bedevilling the country. In ‘Precaution’ released in 1995, he sang ‘mo sun mo la ala ala to buru, mo ri pe a n jagun ni Nigeria’ , meaning ‘I had a nightmare that Nigeria is in war’. And truly, Nigeria was grappled with insurgency, thank God they are technically ‘defeated’ now. Maybe the economic meltdown was part of Barrister’s nightmare.

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Barrister also made significant contributions to the enthronement of Nigeria’s democracy. In his album ‘Truth'(1994). He called on the political office holders to make service their watchword. He challenged them to take into consideration the welfare of the electorates. Also in ‘Precaution’ he openly advocated for the release of Chief MKO Abiola and other political detainees ‘ka ni kan fi Moshudi sile MK Abiola’

He has always been on the side of the down-trodden. He used every opportunity to lament the suffering of the poor masses. ‘ka ma puro o mekunnu n jiya o, ka’ye san wo ina lai ma ma ri na o, k’aye san wo omi lai ma ma r’omi o. Meaning ‘truly, the poor are suffering by paying utility bills for service not rendered- electricity and water. Barrister lamented this in his album released preparatory to 1983 general elections ‘Nigeria’.

Many businesses had benefited from Barrister’s advertisement prowess. Some enterprises who were not enjoying popularity were made known in his albums. For instance in ‘Ijo Olomo’ released in 1983, he eulogised Chief Modupe Badero(Naira Pools) ‘ B’omode máa wi o Naira Pools ni…kin ni kan lo yato ti won fi j’olori , Saturday lo n san wo e, Atewolara ni won wa be de Mushin e beere’. Naira Pools also enjoyed mention in ‘Appreciation'(1984), ’emi a ta Naira Pools ni te mi, gbogbo wa la o ta’…
Barrister also extended the same gesture to Chief Rasaki Akanni Okoya in ‘Iwa'(1982),’ma jese mi o gb’ofo, Eleganza gbami odun de’. The business magnate was a major importer of footwear then.

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All Barrister’s works which cover politics, humanity, discipline, celebration and others remain evergreen. His usual intervention as a commentator in the socio-political discourse is missing. Irrespective of the controversy surrounding the creator of Fuji music, I align with Saheed ‘Osupa that ‘Barry ni Fuji, e ma wule janpata’, ‘Barrister is Fuji, no argument’

Born in Ibadan, February 9, 1948, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister attended Model School Mushin and Yaba College of Technology. He started as ‘ajiwere’, in 1958 at Mushin, Lagos. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1958. His focus on music career prompted his resignation from the military in 1976. May his soul rest in peace.

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Renowned Nollywood Comedian ‘Mr Ibu’ Is Dead

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In a tragic turn of events, the iconic Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has reportedly passed away.

 

A close source within the family confirmed the development, indicating that the beloved entertainer breathed his last on Saturday afternoon at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

 

Mr Ibu, celebrated for his exceptional comedic talent, had faced health challenges in the past year. In a noteworthy struggle, he underwent surgery to amputate one of his legs, a procedure necessitated by undisclosed health issues.

 

Throughout this period, the actor had openly sought support and prayers from his numerous fans and well-wishers.

 

The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true megastar, and fans worldwide express their condolences for the passing of a beloved figure who brought laughter and joy to countless lives through his memorable performances. The legacy of Mr Ibu, marked by his unique style and infectious humor, will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of fans and the annals of Nollywood history.

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Mohbad father’s lawyers request coroner summons for Primeboy, key witnesses

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In a recent development surrounding the controversial death of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, lawyers representing Mr. Joshua Aloba, the bereaved father, have taken a significant step. The legal team, led by Emmanuel Oroko, sent a letter dated Jan. 15th, 2024, to the Coroner overseeing the inquiry into the artist’s demise.

The letter urged the Coroner to summon Ayobami Fisayo (known as Spending), Boluwatife Adeyemo (Darosha), and Ibrahim Owodunni (Prime Boy) to provide testimonies and eyewitness accounts regarding the events leading to Mohbad’s death on Sept. 12, 2023.

The lawyers asserted that the insights from these three individuals would contribute essential factual evidence, shedding more light on the perceived unnatural and suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

“Our research for instance has shown that there were incidents on the 3rd Mainland Bridge at about 2.30 am (Sunday, September 10, 2023, that the appropriate witnesses did not mention and which no one has related at the Coroner Inquest and in our opinion would have given away the circumstantial event that led to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba.

“In furtherance to the above, we believe that there were also events on 12 September 2023 at the deceased residential premises, which were not mentioned by the appropriate witnesses, and such information would have given a better insight into the real cause of the death of the deceased, as recent events have shown that some probable witnesses have been suborned.

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“These key witnesses include the driver of the car that drove the deceased, his wife, his brother and the witnesses proposed to this honourable coroner Inquest court.

“Furthermore, we believe that the situation of the CCTV at the deceased residential premises not functional at the time the deceased and others came home may not be true”, the letter partly read.

The Afrobeats singer, based in Ikorodu, departed on Sept 12, 2023, at 27.

In a letter dated Sept 18th, 2023, addressed to Justice Mojisola Dada, Chief Coroner of the High Court of Lagos State, the legal firm Falana & Falana Chambers formally requested a coroner’s inquest into the artist’s passing.

Subsequent to the letter, preliminary inquiries into Mohbad’s demise commenced on Friday, Sept 29, 2023, at the Magistrate court in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Thus far, two police officers—ASP Oderinde-Gafar Ajibola and Muhammad Yusuf, both affiliated with the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba—have testified before the coroner, presenting the police’s findings on the matter.

Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, the Coroner, has also heard the testimony of Mohbad’s Disc Jockey (DJ), Ajisegiri Ayobami, who asserted his presence with the artist on the day of his passing.

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Lagos: DJ Power Set to Ignite Good Beach for African Tour Premiere

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Renowned international disc jockey, DJ Power, is poised to set the stage ablaze at Good Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, on the 29th of December 2023, signaling the commencement of his highly anticipated African tour.

DJ Power disclosed this during a press briefing held at Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos last Friday.

Baroque Works Studio, a leading entertainment powerhouse, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DJ Power, taking on the role of chief promoter for the tour.

The Good Beach event is anticipated to be a standout moment, attracting music enthusiasts and fans from far and wide.

Showcasing his extraordinary talent, DJ Power’s African tour promises to be a musical journey traversing the continent. The event will pulsate with special energy and vibes, featuring DJ Power’s signature Afrobeat and Amapiano sounds, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for attendees.

In an exclusive collaboration, CEOAFRICA has been named the official media partner for the event, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all its media channels. Fans can anticipate exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and live updates as the excitement builds.

The Good Beach event is expected to draw a diverse and lively crowd, bringing together music lovers of all ages to revel in the vibrant energy and creativity that DJ Power embodies.

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Attendees can brace themselves for an electrifying live performance promising an experience that transcends musical boundaries.

As the countdown to the event begins, organisers are urging fans to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable spectacle.

With the pledge of exceptional music, incredible performances, and an atmosphere to remember, DJ Power’s Good Beach performance is set to be a highlight of the year’s entertainment calendar.

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