Fújì music is a genre of music that is unique to south-west Nigeria, which houses the Yoruba nation. It is one of the most popular genres of music in Yorubaland. Even in the diaspora, you can trust the Yorubas to represent their style of music.
If you stay in Lagos or have ever attended a Yoruba party, the chances are you have heard the Fújì music at least once. Yes, that's how deeply rooted this style of music is amongst the Yoruba. It is their thing.
Fújì is an offshoot of Wéré music, which refers to the music used to wake up Muslims during the Ramadan fasting in the south-west. It was from this style of music that Fújì was pioneered and given its name by the late Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. It is interesting to note that the word, Fuji, is not even a Yoruba word. It was inspired by Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan. Chief Sikiru Ayinde saw an ad for the mountain at the airport and just picked it up from there.
Fújì is widely considered a song for adults. But the narrative is fast-changing, with younger people now accepting the Fújì music despite their exposure. This acceptance is largely a result of the rebranding Fújì artists have been undergoing and the combination of Afrobeats trends in their music. An example is the hit song, Ade Ori Okin, by K1 De Ultimate. This song can literally scatter a party, and I mean that in a good way.
There have also been cases of Fújì artists collaborating with mainstream Afrobeats artists like Pasuma & Tiwa Savage’s Ife. It was no doubt a beautiful blend of both genres.
Many Yorubas identify with Fújì music culturally and therefore have a form of allegiance to it. The music lyrics hardly ever witness any foreign words; it is sung almost entirely in Yoruba. If you are looking to explore Fújì music, you should start with these artists.
Abass Akande Obesere
Muri Thunder
Sefiu Alao
Alhaji Chief Kollington Ayinla
I believe we won't be hearing the last of Fújì music anytime soon. Instead, it would be more infusion with Afrobeats and acceptance in other parts of the world courtesy of the Yorubas in the diaspora. However, one thing remains sure, there is an emerging generation of Fújì singers, and they are doing a good job.
No comments:
Post a Comment