Veteran Fuji singer Alhaji Sulaiman Alao Malaika has strongly refuted Small Doctor’s assertion that Fuji music is failing to produce new stars, emphasizing its continued strength and influence
[dropcap]V[/dropcap]eteran Fuji music icon, Alhaji Sulaiman Alao Malaika, has issued a firm rebuttal to comments made by Afrobeat artist Small Doctor, who recently suggested that Fuji music is in decline due to a perceived lack of new prominent artists since the era of Remi Aluko.
Also read: Small Doctor voices concern over “Dying” state of Fuji music
In a recent interview, Small Doctor expressed his concern about the state of Fuji music, claiming that the genre has not produced any significant new acts in recent years, stating, “Since the emergence of Remi Aluko, there has been no other known Fuji musician.” This statement sparked considerable reaction and disagreement among Fuji music enthusiasts.
Alhaji Sulaiman Alao Malaika addressed Small Doctor directly via social media, offering a strong counter-argument. “My dear music son @Smalldoctor, I read your take on Fuji music and I must say I disagree.
There are many Fuji musicians who emerged after Remi Aluko and are doing excellently well both home and abroad,” Malaika asserted.
He further contended that the limited mainstream media visibility of Fuji music does not accurately reflect its ongoing relevance and growth within its dedicated fanbase.
My dear music son @Smalldoctor, I read your take on Fuji music and I must say I disagree. There are many Fuji musicians who emerged after Remi Aluko and are doing excellently well both home and abroad,” Alhaji Sulaiman Alao Malaika stated in response to Small Doctor’s comments.
“If Fuji got the same level of attention radio and TV give to hip-hop, it would be much bigger today. Despite the odds, Fuji remains a strong, formidable genre—one that even influences many hip-hop tracks today,” Malaika emphasized.
Malaika also highlighted the depth and historical significance of Fuji music, underscoring its continuous support for emerging talents, even if it’s not always apparent to those outside the genre.
“Fuji music is more detailed than your genre. And while millions sing hip-hop, only a few break out. Stardom is not by power or wisdom—it’s about consistency and grace,” he stated.
Drawing a parallel, Malaika pointed out that other culturally significant Nigerian genres like Apala and Juju have faced even greater reductions in mainstream attention, yet they maintain their cultural importance.
He affirmed that Fuji music still commands a large and loyal audience, particularly among the Yoruba-speaking population both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.
Concluding his response, Alhaji Sulaiman Alao Malaika advocated for unity and mutual respect across all Nigerian music genres, stressing that the strength of the nation’s music industry lies in its diversity.
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“Whether it’s Fuji, Hip-hop, Apala or Afrobeat, we are all ambassadors of our culture. Rather than downplay a genre, let’s amplify each other,” he urged.
