….. Maiyegun Wasiu Ayinde MON
Glory be to God Almighty, 50 years of my musical career that started from Agarawu Area in lagos Island, to the young and older people of my area then, that gave me opportunity to rise from little ‘Fuji Lawa’ though the Three stages of Ajiwere Ajisari competitions been organized by Ramblas at Onola playing ground, before I finally became the star boy to lead Fuji Lawa to clinch the 1st position trophy that year and which immediately turned me into a full-time Fuji Musician.
My quest for stardom lead me to the man I learn the rudiments and dexterity as a powerful singer from, Late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, while working as a packer of instruments under him, was him who thought me all I need to know as far as singing ability is concerned.
Also to the recording company that discovered a talent in me and pave way for a successful musical journey by having me recorded and equally exposed me to the open market as a recording artist.. Late Alhaji Ambali Ishola Adetunji, who scout for me to be signed on by Omo Aje Records at number 2, Ibomoh street in agarawu area, own by Late Alhaji Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who later became the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadan-land.
My first Album ‘Iba’ was released on my return from First Hajj & Prilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in the year 1979.
My first national break was with my Album ‘Tala 84’ which sold in excess of over 400,000 copies a figure considered a platinum at that time.
Many successful Hits and albums follows right after that like Tala Disco, Ori, Fuji Headline, Sun-splash, Consolidation, Omo Niger, Baby mi show color E and many more.
American Tips and Anu Morigba sold in excess of over 5 million each Album.
National tour round all city and state of Nigeria, follows by musical tour across African countries, before finally made UK tour in the year 1987, first performance ever in London at Hammersmith Town Hall, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.
Americans tour follows in the year 1990 to several State in the US and Canada
Many European countries Music exposition, in Madrid and Barcelona Spain, Milan and Napoli in Italy, Bremen, Hamburg, Duesseldorf in Germany, Dublin Ireland
My gratitude to many people across the globe, who stood by me in the cause of my struggles to attain greatness in life and through Fuji Music.
As part of my honors in life, Global legend of music after a scintillating performance at More-cambe Bay in Scotland at the WOMAD SEASIDE CONCERT performance and at READING in England, also at Royal Festival Hall Main Arena Hall in Waterloo, twice and Barbican Hall, also at London Accustic Hall near London Bridge.
Spinks Festival in Belgium
Womex Musical Festival in both Holland, Nijmegen in Netherlands, Berlin in Germany and Marseille and Paris in France to mention just a few.
Back home in Nigeria:- Poatson Musical exposition across the 4 angles of Nigeria.
DP Lekki Allround held musical concert.
Became the King of Fuji 1993 after rigorous collection of signatures across Nigeria by the Association of Music Promoters & Artist Managers, in conjunction with First Television Station in west Africa NTA Ibadan.
Another unforgettable moment was the Benson and Hedges organized musical exposition across the country here in Nigeria, both in lagos and Kano city.
Became Oluomo of lagos, tittle given by His Imperial Majesty Adeyinka Oyekan The late Oba of Lagos and Mayegun of YORUBALAND by His Imperial Majesty Iku-Baba Yeye Late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III Alaafin of Oyo.
The biggest One:- On 7th October 2022, I received a National Honours Award Letter, from the Office of The Honourable Minister for Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs, that His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the conferment of National Honours in the rank of MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) on me.
It is a great news ever to be received by me, I feel highly honored to be so considered for ‘A Big One’ like that, amongst Millions of fellow citizen.
When Femi Marshal my Son and Chairman Isolo L.C.D.A Chief Bayo Aremu Olasoju break the news to me,
With happiness and joy written all over me, was my mother I first break the news to, then my wife and band members and lastly i called on my children from different places they presently residing to say to them how joyful and also grateful I am.
Having gotten this Hallmark of recognition from Home, speaks volume of the love every single Nigerian individual has for me or anyone to be so honored like that.
Also get to see the honor as a recognition of my Genre of Music ‘Fuji’ and as a symbol every one in that order look up to, I accept this with humility and sense of gratitude.
To every single Nigerians, lover of good things, music enthusiasts and all fans both home and abroad, I thank you all.
My sincere appreciation goes to Mr President and his cabinets, also to the leadership and members of both National Assembly (Senate/House of Representative)
Especially to you:
Honourable Speaker House of Representative, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila who sees to this honor been done wholly, was your doing and I can not thank you enough (Gbaja Omo Eko Pataki) you are great.
Not forgetting you my brother, Wasiu Olanrewaju Smart, chief of staff to the Rt Honourable Speaker, for sleepless night over my matter, Ire Ayo fun iwona pelu ase olorun.
Our very own Mr Sellable, His Excellency Governor of Lagos State Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu.I thank you soo very much sir, for your support over the years. Ijo ope lama muwa nigbeyin.
My backbone of all time great:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Jagaban of Borgu
Leader of all leaders and my fortress of inestimable value.
You mentorship of me over the years I shall never forget, God Almighty will make a resounding amen to all your request before thee Insha Allah Bikudratilah and in due course we shall have reasons to glorify God in the end.
Appreciation to you my Jewel:
Emmanuella Ropo Ajike (Okin)Nee ODEBIYI. Surely Eni ba kuniku lan ba jaiye, I thank you immensely for been there for me as always, God shall reward you abundantly in multiple fold.
To all members of my band, this is a shared honors and I shall never forget the journey we all stand to keep working on till it gets soo better than ever before.
To you my children, this is the height of love and respect a nation can showers on anyone who does it extremely well.
Remember to always payback with good deeds and expect one day it shall be your turn to answer to a nation that has done our family name in Diamond.
I dedicate this honor to the man who double as my teacher and father, who also lead the pack of that same honors first in our Genre of Music, having gotten MFR before me his Son MON.
Sikiru Ayinde Barrister lives inside of me and never dies.
Oluomo Olasunkanmi Ayinde Marshal, Mayegun of YORUBALAND (MON)
Member of the Order of the Niger.