My first album, ‘My Time’, is 31 years overdue —Fuji act, Ejiwese

A Kaduna-based fuji musician who hails from Ilobu, Osun State, Alhaji Wasiu Olasunkanmi Akande, alias Ejiwese, in this interview, takes SAHEED SALAWU on a journey into his music career, including his long struggle to record his first-ever album which will be launched today in Kaduna.

 

How did you start your music career?

I originally trained as a mechanic in Kaduna before I returned to my hometown, Ilobu, in Osun State, to venture into music, the love of which I had always shared with my father. My father was largely into dadakuada (a genre of Yoruba music). He is still alive, hale and hearty. I did not have much of formal education.

 

How long have you been in the music industry and what achievements have you recorded so far?

I have been singing professionally and independently for almost 31 years, most of which has been very testing for me. There were periods when my band boys and I had nothing to show for several outings. There were also times when we suffered afflictions, especially in terms of loss of equipment to inexplicable fire incidents. But by and large, my modest achievement so far has been my ability to continually sustain my family with this job, and for this, I am deeply thankful to God.

 

Who are your role models in the industry, and under whose tutelage did you hone your musical skill?

My major role models are Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, K1 De Ultimate; Alhaji Mayor Rasheed Ayinde Merenge and Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. The person that tutored me, who sharpened my musical skill, was the late Alhaji Tajudeen Akanni Talented. He was a Kaduna-based Offa-born fuji musician. I followed him for many years. He trained me so well that I became so confident on stage. It got to a stage that he became so confident in me that he began to share the microphone with me. He handed me the microphone whenever he got tired during performance. Also, in the course of my career, I have had the opportunity of featuring in the stage performances of Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde Merenge, Alhaji Sule Alao Malaika and, especially, Alhaji Saheed Osupa. I once performed alongside Alhaji Taye Currency, as well as Alhaji Tiri Leather. I have also had the occasion to work with Charly Boy.

 

Have you ever performed outside Nigeria?

The only place I have performed outside Nigeria is Cotonou, Benin Republic. But I believe that that the launch of my first album on Sunday, May 30, 2021, will mark the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in my life and career. I hope it will take me to places beyond my wildest imagination.

 

Talking about the launch of your maiden album, why has it taken you about 31 years to achieve this feat?

I have pursued this dream for a very long time. The title of my album is ‘My Time’. It is a reference to the fact that I was eventually able to do this because God says it is my time to shine. I had invested time and resources in the project seven times without success, which caused me to have the strong belief that no goal is achievable in life without the ultimate say-so of God. So, I give God the glory for finally permitting me to record this achievement. The day of the launch of the album is shaping up to be one of the most remarkable moments in my life. The support I have enjoyed so far from family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers in respect of this project has been overwhelming. As the big day draws near, every moment has continued to fill me with the conviction that the good times are finally here for me and my music career.

 

You are based in Kaduna, whereas a preponderance of fuji music enthusiasts live in Yorubaland, precisely in the Southwest. How are you surviving as a fuji musician in the North?

It may surprise you that Hausas also like fuji music. They may not have a good understanding of the lyrics but they enjoy the rhythm. But then again, there is an unbelievably huge population of Yoruba people living in the North who invite us to liven up their events. As a Yoruba person living in the North, especially Kaduna, you hardly miss anything about the Yoruba lifestyle. Here, it is amazing the way we also uphold the tradition of wearing aso ebi in our great numbers to mark important events in our lives. North is a nice place to live except for the high incidence of banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges in contemporary times.

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