It was a different kind of crowd when Fuji: A Opera held its third edition of Fuji Vibrations on December 8, 2022, at Muri Okunola Park in Lagos.
Unlike what it used to be, a diverse group of distinguished guests were present to witness what has become history in the music world.
The night featured different generations of Fuji artists serving up their distinct Fuji styles to the delight of the packed house that included Technocrats, industry titans, media moguls, tech entrepreneurs, visual artists, socialites, influencers, music journalists, thrill seekers, and Fuji music aficionados made up much of the audience.
The Queen of Fuji, Yeye Eniba, ushered in the night with a commanding performance that captivated the audience.
Her stirring vocal prowess and quick dancing feet kept the audience glued to the stage as she slowly etched a mark on everyone’s hearts.
Followed by Omo Aje Wasiu, one of King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall’s (K1) many protégés, who delivered a sterling performance that set him apart from the many.
Ten year old Agba Awo Fuji who came up after, put up another spectacular act to the admiration of the audience who were wowed by his music.
Agba Awo Fuji won the surprise performing act Instagram poll held by the Fuji: A Opera team to choose the final act for Fuji Vibrations.
In no time, it was the turn of Sefiu Alao, also known as ‘Omo Oko’ and he delivered a memorable performance. His lyrics are heartfelt, illustrative, and singable melody that many could not help but love his sound.
Then, there was Taye Currency who understands how to rouse a crowd.To the teeming audience, his songs were as familiar as a door knock. They yelled, jumped, and screamed for more till he dropped the microphone.
As soon as Taye Currency finished, SK Sensation, the president of fuji musician association known as FUMAN, ascended the stage and delivered a clinical performance that resonated with the crowd, which elevated the atmosphere.
The mood of the event was elevated a further step when Saheed Osupa took over the stage. His philosophical lyrics was on display to the pleasure of the audience. One thing that is certain is that if Osupa wasnt a brilliant Fuji musician, he would have been a music teacher because his songs sound more like a class in music school. Osupa is well-liked by many who understands the art of singing fuji with beatifully arranged lyrics that stands him out of the crowd.
The crowd became more electrified when it was ‘Ose Oloun’ crooner Malaika’s turn to perform. He demonstrated his comfort with the way he renderred his free flow music and gave good reason why he is still relevant till date.
Do2Dtun, celebrity hype man and Supa Komando ambassador, unveiled the new one-liter Supa Komando pet bottle before introducing the Mayegun of Fuji Music, K1 De Ultimate, the night’s headliner. The hype man spoke about K1 De Ultimate’s efforts to keep the Fuji music genre alive, which drew rousing applause from the crowd, which was still on their feet at around midnight.
The evening also marked the 50th anniversary of K1 De Ultimate performing on stage. Tosin Ashafa, executive producer of Fuji: A Opera, and Bobo Omotayo, Creator & Founder of Fuji: A Opera, presented K1 De Ultimate with a ‘ICON Award’ and expressed gratitude to the music legend for his unwavering support for Fuji: A Opera since its inception.
Fuji: A Opera organisers, sponsors, and Fuji musicians, along with K1 De Ultimate, posed for photos and cut a commemorative cake, which was cut at the spelling of FIFTY by over 3,000 guests at Muri Okunola Park.
K1 De Ultimate reaffirmed his unwavering support for Fuji: A Opera and bestowed fatherly blessings on the organisers. He prayed and assured the team of the support of Fuji musicians past and present.
K1 De Ultimate took the stage and sang his anthems. It started with a serenade and ended with a jive; he performed soulful Fuji music with music alphabets of Fuji that other acts had not explored. K1 De Ultimate is a consummate musician, a professional, and a vocal force to be reckoned with.
“Fuji Vibrations served as a reminder that the Fuji genre is still shaping popular culture and truly represents the best of indigenous Nigerian music. 3000+ people gathered in the heart of Lagos to celebrate music and its fascinating subculture “Fuji: A Opera was created by Bobo Omotayo.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
