By Toyosi Abiodun
It was a gathering of movers and shakers in Fuji industry when all the Fuji artists converged at the Jorgor Center Ibadan on Thursday 27th July during the grand finale of the 60th celebration of the Fuji icon, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde popularly known as Merenge King.
The Mayegun of Yorubaland, King Wasiu Ayinde, K1 the Ultimate was on band stand, performed in an unusual manner to entertain friends and well-wishers of the celebrant with the grandfather of Fuji genre, General Kollinton Ayinla kebe nkwara in attendance.
K1 who was welcomed into the venue amid pomp and pageantry by the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria Oyo State Chapter, during his performance expressed joy at the rate which Fuji music has developed, while commending the resilience spirit of the celebrant which is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events.
The Merenge King in his vote of thanks said: “Thank you for making my 60th birthday a wonderful and memorable one. I’m very thankful to all fans for their constant love and support. It’s been a roller coaster ride and whatever I’ve achieved since I started my Fuji musical career, you’ve all been a very strong pillar and back bone.”
“To all my friends, it is so good to have you in my life, thank you for being my best friends. Thanks for sharing an awesome and good friendship that always makes me smile and never let me down. No matter how far we may be, we would always be close to each other’s hearts. I’m thankful to you for sharing such a wonderful bonding with me.
Other Fuji artists that graced the occasion includes: President of Fuji Musician Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola Eskay sensation, Are Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin, Alhaji Tajudeen Ayinla Abiodun System, Alhaji Sule Adio Atawewe, Alhaji Taiye Akande Currency, Alhaji Afees Adigun, David Ayinde, Alhaji Sule Akanmu Comy Jackson, Alhaji Tiri Alamu Gbolagade Leather, Alhaji Musiliu Aruna Ishola and Wasiu Aruna Ishola, Alhaji Besco Azees, King Dr Saheed Osupa Olufimo.
Others are Alhaji Sulaimon Alao Malaika, Alhaji Mogaji Ishola Adeyimika (Chico wonder), Alhaji Engr Sulaimon (Paso Poly), Alhaji Taiye Cellular, Alhaji Kasim Yaro Wasiu, (Junior Merenge), FUMAN members from Lagos, Ibadan, Kwara, Osun and Ogun State.