There is no iota of doubt that the outburst of Ayankunle Ayanlowo, the ex-talking drummer of Fuji Czar, K1 De Ultimate, is generating the usual buzz on social media, with many caught in the frenzy, taking sides without considering the other perspective.
It is understandable that many are swayed by emotions based on what the drummer said about his former boss. This has instantly turned them into internet judges and justices without delving beyond the surface of his claims.
Although K1 has decided not to “wrestle with the pig” by not dignifying him with a response, those familiar with the previously smooth sailing are now presenting evidence to set the record straight.
Many may not be aware that before this trending video surfaced, Ayankunle had been sending several people to K1 to plead for his return. For whatever reason, his boss and benefactor have refused this, hence the need for ‘Ayan’ to start splashing mud around.
One major issue that has continued to be the bane of Nigerian society, especially in our dear Yorubaland, is that monster known as “self-entitlement.” We have allowed this beast to eat deeper into our flesh, always expecting our desires to be fulfilled by others rather than ourselves.
The question many should have asked Ayanlowo is, during the 32 years he claimed to have worked for K1, did K1 owe him any salaries? Was he not paid his deserved wages as and when due?
The fact that he didn’t ‘achieve anything’ shouldn’t be his boss’s problem but his personal predicament, which many fail to see.
If Kamoru Ayanyemi (Bata), whom Ayankunle brought to the band, can build two houses and is on the verge of completing a hotel in Lagos, how can we not pose that question to him about his finances during his 32 years of service?
The false belief of entitlement that has made him abdicate his individual responsibility should not be blamed on anyone else but himself.
Ayankunle, in his fantasy land warble, made another claim that K1 has the habit of holding onto their passports whenever they travel abroad for performances.
Numerous people should be aware of the reason behind this if logic can be allowed to prevail in our minds. It is a well-known fact that many band members, regardless of the artist, see overseas travels as an opportunity to abscond. They view it as a chance to better their lives once the overseas journey becomes a reality.
If K1 knows the consequence of a member disappearing when the opportunity arises, he must take measures to curb it to maintain his image.
What many do not know is that whenever a member or members disappear from the band abroad, it becomes pretty difficult to access visas and other privileges from that country’s embassy.
If Ayankunle has worked for someone for 32 years and feels he was not treated right, why did he stay until now to tarnish his boss’s reputation?
Honestly, people who are quick to pass judgment are not conversant with the history of drummers and their bosses over the years.
Maybe many should be reminded of what transpired between King Sunny Ade and his drummer of many years, Tiamiyu.
The issue between Chief Ebenezer Obey and Mutiu Kekere also was not a sweet song at a point in time.
Even K1’s eternal boss, the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, had issues with many of his lead drummers like Babatunde Oyadolu and Kamoru Ayansola, leading to unsavory remarks against him.
Can we also forget the late Apala maestro, Haruna Ishola, and his drummer Ojubanire?
What about Yusuf Olatunji and his longstanding drummer, Kasunmu?
Ajewole Onilu Ola took his boss, the late Ayinla Omowura, to task when they had a longstanding issue then. It was when they reconciled that the artist recorded a track for his drummer, “Adewole pada d’omo tuntun, Adewole pada d’omo tuntun…” (the rebirth of Adewole).
The issue between Ayankunle and K1 remains child’s play compared to those mentioned above.
So, it is not strange if Ayankunle has gone down this familiar route.
Ayankunle forgot to realize that bank accounts and documents don’t lie. His wages and those of others always go from the band account controlled by K1 to everyone’s account every week. And K1 can produce a decade of his account statements to support this fact.
I strongly believe that Ayankunle should learn to do his own growing, no matter how tall he feels his father was. Mo soyi mo duro na.
This is still Kunle Rasheed reporting live from my inner mind.