Fuji music, a genre popularized by Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister in the 50s and 60s, has gained immense popularity over the years. Today, many contemporary Fuji artists in Nigeria have amassed substantial wealth, rivaling that of Afrobeats stars. In this article, we will explore the top 10 richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria, their net worth, and their other sources of income.

1. K1 De Ultimate

• Real name: Wasiu Omogbolahan Olasunkanmi Adewalw Ayinde Marshal
• Age: 66 years old
• Date of birth: 3rd March 1957
• No. of Albums: 50 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦800 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Confectionary Business, Real Estate Business

Wasiu Ayinde Olawale Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, is considered the King of Fuji music. He rose to prominence by popularizing a particular variety of the Fuji genre based on the writings of Ayinde Barrister, the inventor of Fuji music. K1 De Ultimate’s musical journey began at a young age, and he quickly gained recognition, winning several local musical competitions. He later joined Ayinde Barrister’s band, the Supreme Fuji Commanders.

K1 De Ultimate embarked on a world tour in 1986 and has since performed at various prestigious venues, including Troxy, WOMEX, and SOB. He even gave the first-ever Fuji performance at the WOMAD Festival. Over the span of his career, he has released more than 49 albums and has amassed an estimated net worth of ₦800 million. Apart from his music career, K1 De Ultimate is also involved in the confectionary business and real estate, further contributing to his wealth.

2. Pasuma Wonder

• Real Name: Wasiu Alabi Odetola
• Date of birth: 27th November 1967
• Age: 55 years old
• No. of Albums: 30 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦555 million
• Other Sources of Income: Acting

Pasuma Wonder, also known as Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, takes the second spot on our list of the richest Fuji musicians. He began his musical journey while still a high school student, singing with his companions in their spare time. In 1984, Pasuma, who admired K1 De Ultimate, started writing his own songs and released his debut album, “TALAZO 84.”

Since then, Pasuma Wonder has released over 30 albums and has become one of Nigeria’s most popular Fuji musicians. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Bola Abimbola and King Sunny Ade. In addition to his music career, Pasuma Wonder has also ventured into acting and has appeared in several Nigerian movies. His talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards, including Best Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Award in 2015.

3. Abass Akande Obesere

• Date of birth: 20th January 1965
• Age: 58 years old
• No. of Albums: 23 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦550 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Record Production

Abass Akande Obesere, popularly known as Omo Rapala, is a Nigerian musician, singer, and record producer. He gained fame for his unconventional musical taste and use of slang that captivated his fans. Following in the footsteps of other accomplished Fuji musicians like Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Obesere has spread his unique style of Fuji music worldwide. Throughout his musical career, he has had a protracted feud with fellow Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate.

Obesere’s performance at Olubadan’s coronation in Ibadan in March 2022 was widely recognized. Besides his music career, Obesere is a record producer and business entrepreneur. He has several companies to his credit, contributing to his estimated net worth of ₦550 million.

4. Saheed Osupa

• Real name: Akorede Babatunde Okunola
• Date of birth: 7th August 1969
• Age: 54 years old
• No. of Albums: 54 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦500 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Acting

Saheed Osupa, also known as the “King of Fuji Music,” began his professional music career in 1983. He has released over 40 studio albums and has been recognized as one of the most successful Nigerian musicians. Saheed Osupa is widely regarded as a pioneer of the hip-hop subgenre of Fuji music, and his albums, including “Non-Stop,” “Vanakula,” “African Beauty,” and “Womi,” have achieved massive success.

Apart from his music career, Saheed Osupa is also an accomplished movie actor and has starred in over 30 Yoruba movies. His multi-faceted talents and hard work have contributed to his estimated net worth of ₦500 million.

5. KS1 Malaika

• Real name: Sulaimon Alao Adekunle
• Date of birth: 15th February 1973
• Age: 50 years old
• No. of Albums: Over 44 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦450 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Performing, Endorsement Deals

Sulaimon Alao Adekunle, popularly known as KS1 Malaika, is a Nigerian Fuji artist who began his musical journey at a young age in a Quranic School in Lagos State. He later formed his first Fuji band in 1983, after paying his dues through Were Music. Malaika has performed and collaborated with various musicians in different genres, including Islamic gospel, Fuji, and hip-hop.

KS1 Malaika has received numerous accolades for his melodic and danceable songs. He has a strong international fan base and often performs with other artists when he’s not focused on making Fuji music. Additionally, Malaika has secured numerous endorsement deals, further contributing to his estimated net worth of ₦450 million.

6. Adewale Ayuba

• Date of birth: 6th May 1966
• Age: 57 years old
• No. of Albums: 23 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦400 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Business, Fashion Brand, Acting

Adewale Ayuba, also known as Ayuba, Mr. Johnson, and the Bonsue-fuji maestro, was born in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. He began singing at a young age and pursued music as a profession after completing high school. Ayuba gained recognition after signing a recording contract with Sony Music in 1990 and releasing the album “Bubble,” which received acclaim at the Nigerian Music Awards.

In addition to his successful music career, Ayuba has a fashion line called “Bonsue Wears” and is involved in various businesses. He has expanded his music and fashion brands, further contributing to his net worth. Ayuba’s versatility extends to acting, and he has appeared in several Nigerian movies, showcasing his talents beyond the Fuji music scene.

7. Shefiu Alao Adekunle

• Date of birth: 24th March 1967
• Age: 56 years old
• No. of Albums: 40 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦350 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Album sales

Shefiu Alao Adekunle, also known as Baba Oko, was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 1967. He started his music career at the age of 14 and has garnered a significant fan base across Nigeria and West Africa. Shefiu founded the Fuji Bazooka Band in the early 1980s, which later changed its name to Fuji Candozo. This band became well-known in Ogun State.

Shefiu Alao Adekunle has released numerous albums, and his music, especially the album “Ojumo Ire” released in 1996, has remained popular even in the present decade. He is often referred to as Agbara Orin, meaning “Power of Music.” Shefiu Alao Adekunle’s album “Good Day” sold over 200,000 copies in its first month of release. His impressive discography and album sales have contributed to his net worth of ₦350 million.

8. Muri Thunder

• Real name: Muritala Ademola Salaudeen
• Date of birth: 5th August 1973
• Age: 50 years old
• No. of Albums: Over 10 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦200 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Business and Investments

Muri Thunder, born Muritala Ademola Salaudeen, hails from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. His musical journey began during his senior year at the United Christian School in Lagos State, where he dropped out to pursue his passion for music. Despite facing opposition from his parents, Muri Thunder persisted and moved in with his aunt, who supported his career choice.

Muri Thunder initially started with a different genre of music before transitioning to Fuji. His talent and dedication were recognized when he emerged as the champion in a music competition held in Lagos in 1985. Since then, Muri Thunder has released numerous songs and albums, contributing to his net worth of ₦200 million. He has made a significant impact on the Fuji music scene and continues to create music that resonates with his fans.

9. Remi Aluko

• Date of birth: 31st July 1977
• Age: 46 years old
• No. of Albums: 13 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦100 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Album sales

Remi Aluko, also known as Igwe1, started his musical journey at a very young age. His passion for music was evident even in primary school, where he and his friends would create beats by tapping on tables and chairs. At the age of 15, Remi began singing professionally, and in 1995, he released his debut album, “Celebration.”

Remi Aluko’s unique vocabulary and quick beats attracted a young audience. He has extensive experience performing in theaters and studios, expanding his fan base. Despite rumors surrounding his vision, Remi Aluko has clarified that he did not lose his sight but only dealt with an eye infection. Today, he has released over 13 albums and continues to make an impact in the Fuji music industry.

10. Taye Currency

• Date of birth: 17th December 1974
• Real name: Taiwo Akande Adebisi
• Age: 48 years old
• No. of Albums: 22 Albums
• Net Worth: ₦85 Million
• Other Sources of Income: Business and Investments

Taye Currency, also known as Apesin 1, is a Nigerian Fuji musician from Ibadan, Oyo State. He began his music career in the late 1990s and is known for his unique style that blends elements of hip-hop and reggae with Fuji music. Taye Currency has released several albums, including “Turning Point,” “Money,” “Owo Ni Koko,” and “Alaye.” He has collaborated with renowned Fuji musicians such as K1 De Ultimate, Pasuma, and Saheed Osupa.

In addition to his music career, Taye Currency is involved in various business ventures, including owning a hotel, a petrol station, and a record label. He also serves as the Oyo State Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, further diversifying his sources of income. Taye Currency’s success in both music and business has contributed to his estimated net worth of ₦85 million.

Conclusion

These top 10 richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria have made significant contributions to the Fuji music genre and have achieved remarkable success both in their music careers and other business ventures. Through their talent, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit, they have amassed substantial wealth and continue to inspire new generations of artists in Nigeria and beyond. Fuji music remains a vibrant and influential genre, and these musicians play a vital role in its ongoing evolution.