The name Adewale Ayuba needs little or no introduction. He is a celebrated Fuji artiste. He is known as the Bonsue Fuji King. Mention the name Adewale Ayuba anywhere amongst top society celebrities and they will tell you how much respect they have for him and his music. His lifestyle also impresses a lot of people. He has lived a very decent lifestyle, stayed married to only one wife and has kept away from controversies. This has endeared him to a lot of Fuji music lovers all over the world.
In this interview with City People, he explained how he has been able to sustain his career for so long and what he has been doing to take his music to the next level.
Tell us about today’s event, sir?
We are here to celebrate 61st anniversary of our nation, Nigeria. I decided to use the opportunity to bring few of my friends, especially in the media to come and enjoy Fuji music. Meanwhile, a lot of things have been going on. People have been asking me “Wale what is going on”? So, I said let’s just put something together and start from there.
What are we to expect today?
Normal, 100% Bonsue Fuji, yes, that’s what I do, that’s what I know how to do. That is what God gave me the grace to do. We are here to enjoy Bonsue Fuji to the fullest by His grace.
You have a new song now that is making waves, tell us about it?
My new song is called “Kolobakoloba”.
Why did you title it Kolobakoloba?
It’s about how people treat those of us in the entertainment industry, particularly when it gets to the level of having us as in-law. They don’t want us to marry their children because of the peculiarity of our job. They think that it’s going to affect our marriages. You know, we don’t stay in the house, we don’t have time for the children.
That was what happened to me. It was a thug of war between me and my in-laws, though I am the best husband now (laughs). So, I decided to pass the message across and to address some of these issues. It’s our profession, be it a musician, comedian, actor and actress and it does not necessarily mean it is going to affect our marriage. So, people should please look away from that. It is our job.
Your brand has remained consistent over the years, what has been the secret?
I thank God that my calling is singing and I know it’s from God. So, I always look up only to that God who gave me the grace. I believe that is one of the secrets. Then, I always pray, 24/7 to God the giver of talent, to always guide me and protect me. I believe that is the secret.
What about your looks; you are always looking young?
I know that one is hereditary. My father is like this. And at the same time, I watch what I eat.
Talking about Fuji music moving to another level, like what you did with Jazzman Olofin. Tell us about your plans to introduce new things into the Fuji music genre?
The movement and the new innovation has begun if you listen to “Kolobakoloba”. We just want to take Fuji music to the digital world. We want something that will be playing in disco halls.
You will discover that Fuji artistes don’t do 3/4 mins songs, our album is always large and that has been affecting our product because life is not on that level anymore. So, why don’t we just join them? Let’s start dropping singles. I started with Kolobakoloba, I will release like 5 more before we release the main album.
Is there any other collaboration you are working on?
Of course. I actually released this to let people know that Ayuba can release this kind of song without any collaboration with anybody. You know people are very funny with their conclusion. But now, very soon, I am looking forward to bringing in Angelique Kidjo from her country. I am planning to work with Femi Anikulapo Kuti for the first time, and I believe by His grace it will come to pass.
As one of the voices to reckon with in Fuji music industry, what is the state of Fuji music in this country now?
Fuji music is doing well because Fuji music is the voice and the lyrics behind it including the drums. Like I said, what we need to do is what we are doing now, digitalising it. Aside from that, Fuji music is doing good. When you talk about our culture, naming ceremony, marriage, house warming party etc, if you don’t have Fuji music playing, It’s not done (laughs).
What is your advice for the upcoming artistes?
My advice for them is to always believe in themselves. You are from Nigeria, behave like a Nigerian, don’t see yourself as a foreign artist. Don’t let the stardom get to your head. Don’t look down on anybody.
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