Introducing Mr Fuji, A Podcast About Sikiru Ayinde Barrister
This podcast is aimed at exploring his life and times, focusing on his creation of the music genre, challenges, successes, themes, death and legacy.
Hello friend, it’s me Jide again.
This is me introducing my new project, the Mr Fuji podcast.
It’s a three-part podcast series about the life and legacy of Fuji icon, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
From its roots as traditional Yoruba music, Fuji has grown to become a mainstream Nigerian music genre. It has created cross-border legends- like K1 de Ultimate and Pasuma Wonder and has influenced popular culture and music: think anybody from Olamide and Reminisce to Dammy Krane to Naira Marley.- while still retaining its Yorubaness.
Fans of the genre and artistes who have been influenced by it have one man to thank- Alhaji Chief Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister MFR. In 1966, he created the genre by himself and spent the next fifty years being its constant innovator and biggest star. Sadly, Barrister died on December 16, 2020, and would have turned 73 this February.
In three episodes, I tell the story of Barrister, from his father’s short-lived music career in Ibadan, his own sákárà and àpàlà influences, his time in the army, friendship (and beef) with Kollington Ayinla, his enduring legacy and many more. This is actually the first time his story is being told in a podcast format, and is only the first of many narrative podcasts to be produced by Verbally Media
All episodes of Mr Fuji are available right now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Please listen and share, and use the hashtag #MrFujiPodcast.
PS: Thank you very much for the support I received with my book History Made. My plan is for us to still have a book reading whenever COVID-19 restrictions are eased. I’m looking forward to talking to you,