In Gbona, a song by Burna Boy, the lyrics read, ‘When the Gbedu dey enter body….’
A typical Nigerian will have many stories that depict this statement. It could be at a birthday party or wedding ceremony (Owambe). One minute you are trying to enjoy your Nigerian Jollof, the next minute, you are scattering the dance floor.
What could lead to this?
Amongst the factors that could give this level of excitement is Nigerian Fuji music.
We do not know how this happens, but there are high chances that you will lose your home training to dancing when Fuji Music comes on the stereo. Some people describe this type of music as a happy music genre. They believe that the sound is a promise of hope and assurance.
If you are a Nigerian, it is almost impossible that you have never encountered fuji music, especially if you’ve stayed in the big city of Lagos. We are sure that you can relate to this article.
The popularity and love for fuji musicians have got many asking, ‘who is the richest fuji musician in Nigeria?’
Although we will give a brief history of fuji music in Nigeria, this article will focus on the richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria. Have you been wondering who the richest fuji musician in Nigeria is? You will get your answer in this article!
NOTE: It is not a list of all the fuji musicians in Nigeria, but the top 13 latest richest fuji musicians.
Latest Forbes Richest Fuji Musician in Nigeria
There are many Fuji musicians in Nigeria, but here are some of the richest. Although they’re not as rich as the richest musician in Nigeria, these guys are the richest in the fuji style of music.
Yinka Ayefele (Net Worth $1.4 million)
Yinka Ayefele is a Nigerian music producer, radio presenter, gospel artist, and the founder of Fresh FM Radio Station in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Some people might not want to categorize him as a fuji musician as he is best known for being a gospel artist. This does not take away the fact that he has combined both styles of music.
Yinka Ayefele became famous in 1998 after the release of his first album following a ghastly accident he had in 1997. The accident damaged his spinal cord and had him confined to a wheelchair.
Today, he has many awards to his name. One of his awards is the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) awarded by the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in 2011.
Yinka Ayefele’s albums and songs include;
- Bitter Experience (Debut Album)
- Sweet Experience
- Something Else
- Diving Intervention
- Life after Death
No list of the top 5 richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria is complete without Yinka Ayefele’s name on it.
Yinka Ayefele is the richest fuji musician in Nigeria.
Shina Peters (Net Worth $1.4 million)
Sir Shina Peters is a household name for many music enthusiasts in Nigeria. He is from Ogun state and was born on the 30th of May 1958.
Music came to him naturally from a young age, and he has been under the tutorship of many reputable musicians, including Ebenezer Obey.
Before forming his band, he had a band with Segun Adewale. The band’s name was Shina Adewale. After the two partners parted ways, he started his band called Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars.
He is the father of Clarence Peters, one of the star music producers in Nigeria. The child was a result of his then relationship with actress, Clarion Chukwura, a popular face on the big screens.
Sir Shina Peters is a strong name in the Nigerian Fuji industry and is almost always seen as the richest musician in Nigeria among fuji artists.
Ayinde Wasiu Mashal (Net Worth N800 million)
Popularly known as K1 the Ultimate, Ayinde Wasiu has been into music since he was eight years old. Music properly started for him at the age of 15 after he won many competitions. Although his parents opposed his musical career when he was younger, he went ahead to become one of the biggest and richest fuji musicians in Nigeria.
Many people refer to him as the present-day father of fuji music in Nigeria because of how he has owned the sound. He has many awards and chieftaincy titles to his name. You are sure to have a banging party if you call him to perform.
Ayinde Wasiu has a net worth of 800 million Naira, stringing from fuji music and other sources.
If you’re making a list of the top 20 Forbes richest fuji musicians in Nigeria, be sure to put his name.
Pasuma Wonder (Net Worth N600 million)
Born Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Pasuma wonder is a man of many talents.
Asides from being a fuji musician, he is also a movie sensation in the Nigerian movie industry, especially in Yoruba movies. There is almost no one from the western region who does not know of Pasuma.
He was born in Lagos State on the 8th of November, 1967; that answers the question, ‘How old is Pasuma?’
In 2015, he won the Best Indigenous Artist of the year award at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
He is one of those who infuse his style into fuji music. He has been successful in combining pop and fuji music.
Pasuma net worth is 600 million Naira and he is on every list of top ten richest fuji musician in Nigeria.
Abass Akande Obesere (Net Worth N500 Million)
Obesere is a fuji musician and businessman born in Ibadan on January 20, 1965. Being born in 1965, I guess it’s easy to calculate Obesere’s age.
The artiste also answers Omo Rapala, Papa Tosibe, or Oba Alasakasa and is famous for his unusual music style and use of slang words.
At a point, it seemed like he was out of the spotlight. But when one of his songs resurfaced on the internet in the last quarter of 2020, he got his spotlight back.
I’m sure you’re familiar with ‘Egungun be careful, na express you dey go’
He has numerous singles and albums and is currently signed to Mayors Ville Entertainment, Lagos. He was initially signed to Sony Music Entertainment and has had a long-time rivalry with fellow Fuji musician, K1 De Ultimate.
This man has many businesses to his name and these businesses combined with fuji music give him, Obesere a net worth of 500 million Naira.
9ice (Net Worth 500 million)
Born Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande, the Gonga Aso crooner, is a favorite of many people worldwide. The singer, dancer, and songwriter is from Oyo State and was born on the 17th of January, 1980. That answers the question, ‘how old is 9ice now.’
Although he ventures into other genres of music, he is a top fuji musician. He released his first official song in 2000 and his latest album was released in 2020, titled Tip of The Iceberg: Episode 1.
9ice has a record label called Alapomeji Ancestral Record and he also has many awards to his name.
He is one of the top 13 richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria, with a net worth of 500 million Naira.
Saheed Osupa (Net Worth 450 million)
Saheed Osupa doubles as an actor and a Nigerian fuji musician and is found on every list of the top 10 richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria.
The real name of Saheed Osupa is Saheed Akorede Okunola and his career officially kickstarted in 1983. He has hundreds of albums to his name currently, has also been nominated for several awards, and has won some of them. In 2019, he won the Best Fuji Musician of the Year award at the Yoruba Image International Awards.
He has also been involved in some rivalry and scandals. One of which was when he named himself the King of Music. These controversies have not deterred his career as he is still one of the top names mentioned when you talk of present-day Fuji music in Nigeria.
There have been many talks about Saheed Osupa’s age. He was born on August 7, 1969, in the Mosafejo area of Ajegunle, Lagos State.
Sule Alao Malaika (Net Worth 450 million)
Popularly known as KS1 Malaika, Sulaimon Alao Adekunle has been into fuji music for a long time. He was born on 15th February 1973 and started from the period of Wéré music until he formed his fuji band in 1983.
He is one of those who have taken fuji music internationally as he has performed in several places outside Nigeria. In 2015, he won the Best Fuji Artiste of the Year awards at the Yoruba Music and Films Awards.
Sule Alao uses many Nigerian and African traditional instruments to make his music.
KS1 Malaika net worth is 450 million Naira.
Adewale Ayuba (Net Worth 400 million)
Adewale Ayuba is popularly known as Mr. Johnson. Although he has been singing since he was a kid, his music career started for him after he finished secondary school at Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, Ogun State.
His love for fuji music started when he was a Muslim. However, after his conversion to Christianity, he continued as the love did not reduce. People are in love with his lyrics as they are usually thoughtful and philosophical.
His signature look is his Yoruba outfits. He has featured in some movies and has a diploma in financial accounting from Queens Borough Community College, New York.
Many persons call Adewale Ayuba the most educated fuji musician in Nigeria.
Shefiu Alao (Net Worth 350 million)
There is little wonder why this man refers to himself as ‘omo oko,’ meaning village boy. He says that his interaction with Fuji music was by chance, but he has never regretted it.
Back then, he performed in the streets and did not care about the fees he was getting. What mattered to him was that he was doing something he loves.
Today, he stands as one of the best fuji musicians in Nigeria. He has awards to his name, including awards from Ghana and Austria.
He has a current net worth of 350 million Naira, and most of his wealth comes from being a fuji musician.
Muri Thunder (Net Worth 200 million)
He was born Muritala Ademola Salaudeen on the 5th of August 1973 but goes by the stage name Muri Thunder. Muri Thunder did not grow up in affluence, but he has made a name for himself in the Fuji music industry.
The ghetto area where he grew up inspires some of his song lyrics. He chose his fuji music over education, which his parents did not approve of. This led him to leave the house and stay with his aunt, who gave him the necessary support.
Muri Thunder’s net worth is 200 million Naira.
Remi Aluko (Net Worth 100 million)
Popularly known as Igwe 1, Remi Aluko is another fuji musician in Nigeria that has amassed wealth. He ventured into the music industry at an early age and flowed well with fuji music.
You will get many interesting slangs from his songs, and his rhythm is usually fast-paced. There were once rumors of him being blind. However, he debunked it and clarified that he only had glaucoma.
He is good at his music and both youths and adults vibe well with his songs.
Remi Aluko has a net worth of 100 million Naira and is one of the top 13 richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria.
Taye Currency (Net Worth 85 million)
He is popularly known as Apesin1. Taye Currency is a top fuji musician in Nigeria but has more popularity in Oyo state, his hometown. He once had the backing of his brother until his brother died; now he makes his fuji music career alone.
Taye is passionate about music and does not plan to stop anytime soon. His goal is to influence others positively through his songs.
Taye Currency’s house in Oyo state is magnificent and serves as a decoration for the neighborhood.
Taye Currency has a net worth of 85 million Naira, placing him on the list of Nigeria’s top 13 richest fuji musicians.
History of Fuji Music in Nigeria
Before highlighting the top richest fuji musician in Nigeria, it will be appropriate to give a brief history of fuji music in Nigeria.
When did Nigerians become introduced to Fuji music? Who was the first fuji musician in Nigeria?
With the answer to these questions, you will understand and appreciate the Fuji style of music.
Fuji music dates back to the colonial period. There is a high chance you haven’t been born by then. The music genre has had years of evolution. Although it does not differ much from its original sound, what we get now is not how it was in the 50s and 60s.
Fuji music in Nigeria became more profound towards the end of the colonial period. The closest and best example to liken this music to is the sound of Muslim singers.
Back then, the songs that were for Muslims to wake up for their fast could be classified as Fuji music. Those who grew up in the Western part of Nigeria can relate, as this was where it happened most.
Many Nigerians might say that fuji music is Yoruba music. This might not be entirely true. Although most of the fuji musicians in Nigeria are of the Yoruba tribe, it is limiting to say that fuji music is a Yoruba sound. Instead, fuji music is a Nigerian sound.
A New Age for Fuji
Wéré was the first name for the fuji music genre. With time, this sound was not limited to the fasting period alone. The Muslim communities in the western states began to see performances of the wéré music. People believe that fuji music is easily recognizable by the drums. They are not wrong or far from the truth.
Back then, the performance of wéré music was accompanied by the sákárà drum. However, with the evolution of fuji music, we see that other instruments were infused into the sound.
Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was a famous fuji musician back in the day. He soon became a celebrity from the sound as he was the lead singer of the Wéré group. He even took this sound internationally as he embarked on tours.
People started adding their different spices and infusion to this sound, and it kept evolving. By the 1980s, fuji music known as wéré music was no more a strange concept.
There has been continuous growth for fuji music in Nigeria. As new musicians emerged, they ensured to infuse a youthful vibe into the sound. This helped to ensure that the fuji sound is not for any specific age group. Therefore, everyone can enjoy the style of music.
If you are at a ceremony in the Western part of the country, you will wear a smile when you see different age groups dancing to this sound. If you ever thought that your parents couldn’t dance, try playing a fuji sound. You will be in for a surprising ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Richest Fuji Musician in Nigeria
Who is the best Fuji musician in Nigeria?
All the present fuji musicians in Nigeria are good at what they do, and they deserve their accolades. However, Ayinde Wasiu Mashal (K1 De Ultimate) stands out as the best fuji musician in Nigeria.
This is because he has not fallen below par since he started his career. A little wonder he is nicknamed the present-day father of fuji music in Nigeria.
Some indigenous people will say that your party is not complete if K1 is not there. He has raised the bar of fuji music very high, and many aspiring artists aim to reach the level. He understands the craft and hopes that others will also excel.
Who is the Most Educated Fuji Musician in Nigeria?
There is the generalization that many Fuji musicians are not educated (didn’t attend higher institutions), which is not far from the truth. However, some have successfully combined both their careers and education.
Adewale Ayuba, popularly known as Mr. Johnson, stands as the most educated fuji musician in Nigeria. He has many degrees to his name, including one from the University of Lagos and another from Queensborough Community College in New York.
Who Created Fuji Music in Nigeria?
It will be wrong to say that anyone created Fuji music in Nigeria as it has been in place for a long time. From the history of Fuji in Nigeria shared above, fuji came from the Muslim religion. Thus, it cannot be attributed to a person.
However, there are some people whose works contributed to popularizing this musical genre and making people fall in love with it the more. One of such is Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
How did Fuji Music Start?
History shows that this genre of music started from songs played to wake Muslims up to fast. People fell in love with the sound and felt that they could commercialize it.
Who is the Father of Fuji?
Sikiru Ayinde Barrister wears the crown as the king and father of fuji music in Nigeria as he was one of those who helped in exporting this sound internationally.
Conclusion on d Richest Fuji Musician in Nigeria
There are many fuji musicians in Nigeria, but this is only a list of the top 13 richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria. We hope that you had a good read as you now know their net worth. Kindly hit the share button to share the post if your favorite fuji musician is on the list. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts about Fuji music and the richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria.
