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How I survived despite being banned from Overseas for 12 years – Fuji Superstar, Obesere reveals

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The Obesere brand has been existing for over 30 years. Many people still wonder how you have managed to sustain the brand for that number of years. Staying relevant must have come with a lot of sacrifices and rewards for you. What do you think about your continued relevance in the music industry?

As I always tell those who care to listen that there is no secret about what I have become, except for the power of God. His power has brought me to this point in my life. When I look back at how the journey started, I can only give thanks to my Creator for the gift of life and blessings. One thing that is certain is that nothing happens without God’s knowledge. A man can’t become anything without the hand of God in it. When He is involved, everything will always work out fine. Though, it may look rough at some point, if you believe in God and what you do, and you pursue your dreams with a pure heart, you will triumph. It is as simple as that.

Looking back at how it started and where you are at the moment, what would you say has been your limitation?

The late Micheal Jackson was very much more blessed and relevant than some rich people in the US even years after his demise. Maybe, I would have been richer than the likes of Aliko Dangote or Mike Adenuga, but I still give thanks to God.

Why did you say that?

The reason for my giving thanks is not far to seek. My detractors thought they could dim my star. They only tried but failed at every attempt to bring me down. The Obesere they wanted to pull down has been busy shuttling from one show to another around the world. Obesere is not begging anyone for a means of livelihood. In fact, no year passes without that same me acquiring a new house and cars. In fact, I still give out cars, land, or houses to people every year. God never allowed my enemies to stop me from doing all those good things in life.

It was reported that you didn’t travel out of the country for 12 years until 2017. It is believed that some petitions that were said to have been written against you at foreign embassies stopped you from travelling. Is this true?

It is true that certain petitions were written against me at various foreign embassies in US and Europe for reasons I am yet to understand. I think some people are surprised that I am living fine, despite my inability to travel out of the country for shows that would have fetched me more money. You can imagine a situation whereby a popular musician could not travel for 12 years but still manages to live fine without asking anyone for help. I guess that’s why petitions were written against me, but that has never stopped me from doing what I know best.

What do you think is responsible for this?

You know in this kind of profession, going international adds value to your trade. So, that is what some people tried to block my way. But when God said it was time, doors opened. 2009 was the last time I was in England. Even when the door opened, I left the category of those who would seek for visa as I was given a UK citizenship.

Last year, you were busy touring the US and you ended up performing in about 26 states. How did you do it, given that you have not been there for a while?

Like I said earlier, many people had waited patiently to see me over there because the kind of job I am doing is God-given. He handed it over to me. It’s in me. I’m music, music is me. It’s in my blood. I don’t copy anybody. So, when I got to the US, shows were lined up for me that at a point, I had to beg the promoter to let me go back to Nigeria because people were already thinking I had made up my mind to stay overseas. My plan was just to go there, work and come back home. So, I had to abandon some shows till further notice.

For somebody who could not travel out of the country for 12 years, how did you break the jinx?

As I said earlier, I was able to gain entry into the US after 12 years. My brother, you needed to have seen the petitions written against me. I wondered how people had the time to come up with such lies just to discredit me. Some people alleged that I had a lot of money that could not be traced to music alone. They said that I was into fraud, drugs and money laundering. They tried to implicate me with a lot of things that were not true.

Are you saying music is the only trade you have been involved in over the years?

I don’t have anything I am involved in other than music and I have made a lot of money from it. I’m successful because I am not a flamboyant person. The late Ayinde Barrister once said that work hard and get money that will make the lazy man feel bad. I am constantly reminding myself how my journey in music started and where I am going, so I don’t spend my money on frivolities because I know money is not easy to come by. So, the little I have, I use it well. I invest in my family and assist the needy. I manage my income very well, and this made some people feel bad. You will hear them say, “is he the only one singing?”

During that difficult time, what lesson did you learn?

Sometime ago, a pastor met me in London and said ‘Abass, I know you don’t know me but God sent me to tell you that He was aware of your travails.’ The man told me that God said He allowed those things to happen to me to confuse my detractors, so that they won’t tamper with my life? I held on to that message till now. So now, US, UK, among other places, have become where I can stroll in and out anytime. In fact, I can say I want to go and have fun in London any time. My family is there, and they are the ones God used for me to secure my citizenship.

How did God use them for your?

I have been able to manage my resources very well, which helped me to transfer my family abroad more than 15 years ago. I always sent money to them, investing in them heavily before they moved to London. So, my wife and the kids were those who thought for me. If I had not invested in them a long time ago, I would still be unable to gain entry into England because I was banned for 10 years from entering the country. That was in 2014. Now that I have been given a permanent residential permit, I have visited UK more than eight times. Again, people keep wondering, is the flight ticket so cheap? I have my family there. There is nothing too much to spend to see them. So, for those who believe I want to stay, it’s not true. Last weekend, I left London for Nigeria for a show at Gbagi, Ibadan, which had a massive turnout and more shows have been lined up, some of which I can’t even remember now. It has been back to back from London to Nigeria, to Dublin, and other places.

You have been seen performing in three shows a day with a minimum of six hours each at those shows. Given back to back shows, some people believe you are always under the influence of alcohol. What do you have to say?

In this game, you just have to give your fans what they will always take home and talk about. Energetic performance is in my blood. I didn’t learn music; I have always had it in me. It’s in my lineage. God really loves me that He has given me so much strength such that I can perform for over eight hours on stage. When I go to shows, I just love to entertain the people. For them to have come out to support me, the best I could give them is a great performance. I always want people to talk gleefully about my shows six years after.

People say you are humble and religious. We learnt that your house in Lagos has a mosque, where other residents come to worship every Friday. Are you truly a religious person?
Whoever God has created has a purpose to fulfill. There is nothing God doesn’t know about. Being humble that most people say about me is not pretentious. That’s just the way I am. For those who are not humble, that’s how God created them. But, I thank God for how He created me. That’s why if you say you want to behave like Abass Akande Obesere, it won’t be easy to be who I am. That’s why people often say whom God has created can’t be copied. We are different in nature. You can’t be me and I can’t be you. Yes, people often come to my house every Friday to worship in the mosque. That’s just me. So, people shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. People judge me because of the kind of job I do and what I sing to entertain. People should just understand that when Obesere is on stage, I just do my work because that’s where I get my daily bread from. The real man is inner, not outer. It’s very deep until you see someone portray it. Only God can judge man.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

My latest studio album entitled Ojurawonlo is still fast-selling. I even heard some people want to pay promoters to stop selling but, God has shut them out. At the same time, I have some hip hop tracks with A-list Nigerian artistes, and more are still coming. You can always check my page on Instagram for constant updates. A hip hop single, Ibaje will be released soon. I am also working on another album on my Europe tour.

What advice do you have for your fans and young ones who want to do what you do?

My advice is that you don’t need to be a musician before you are successful. Just try to be yourself in whatever you have chosen to do and always work smarter. Don’t be discouraged. Be focused.

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Bullion Records, Sports, and Industries gains international recognition with UK certification

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Bullion Records, Sports, and Industries gains international recognition with UK certification

Bullion Records, Sports, and Industries gains international recognition with UK certification

 

Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, a Nigerian-based company renowned for its ventures in manufacturing, Music Records labels and Hotel management, sports, and real estate, has achieved a significant milestone with its certification in the United Kingdom. The company, now officially registered as Bullion Records, Sports, and Industries Limited under the Companies Act 2006, was incorporated as a private limited company in England and Wales on November 20, 2024.

 

This certification, confirmed by the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, enables Bullion Records to legally operate in the UK, marking a pivotal step in its international expansion.

 

The company’s CEO, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, expressed his excitement about this achievement, highlighting its potential to bolster the company’s international footprint. “This certification by the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales is a major step forward. It marks the beginning of a new phase where we can operate in both local and international markets seamlessly,” Ambassador Ajadi said.

He revealed that Bullion Records will commence the production of key products, such as Coco Malt Drink; Coco Magic Energy Drink, and lubricant products, by 2025. The innovative business strategy involves an exchange of goods between the UK and Nigeria, ensuring that products manufactured in Nigeria will be sold in the UK and vice versa.

Bullion Records, Sports, and Industries gains international recognition with UK certification

Our target is to make products produced in the UK accessible in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Likewise, products made in Nigeria will be available for sale in the UK,” Ambassador Ajadi added.

He further emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its operations to meet the demands of the global market while supporting local industries. “This recognition is not just a boost for Bullion Records but also the collaboration between local and international markets,” he stated.

Bullion Records, already known for its contributions to the entertainment and real estate industries, sees this certification as a step toward achieving its vision of becoming a global leader in diverse industries. The company aims to create a strong connection between its operations in the UK and Nigeria, fostering economic growth and job creation in both regions.

This landmark achievement positions Bullion Records as a model for other Nigerian companies looking to expand their reach internationally while contributing to local development

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Fuji Mi, Fuji Mi, The Source : A Journey Through The History And Leadership of Fuji Music By Alhaji Arems

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Fuji Mi, Fuji Mi, The Source : A Journey Through The History And Leadership of Fuji Music By Alhaji Arems

Fuji Mi, Fuji Mi, The Source : A Journey Through The History And Leadership of Fuji Music

By Alhaji Arems

Fuji music, a genre deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of Nigeria, has a rich history that dates back several decades. This article aims to take fans and the general public down memory lane, tracing the origins of Fuji music, its key figures, and the leadership that has shaped its evolution. It’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the pioneers who laid the foundation for this vibrant musical genre and correct any misconceptions that have arisen, especially among the younger generation.

Fuji Mi, Fuji Mi, The Source : A Journey Through The History And Leadership of Fuji Music

By Alhaji Arems

The Beginnings of Fuji Music :

Fuji music emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, primarily within the Yoruba community of Nigeria. It was an evolution of the were music—a traditional Islamic music genre played during the Ramadan season. Fuji music blended elements of were, apala, and juju music to create a distinctive sound characterized by its energetic percussion, vibrant rhythms, and engaging call-and-response vocals.

 

The Pioneer : Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister

The genesis of Fuji music is closely tied to the name Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, widely regarded as the creator and undisputed leader of Fuji music. Born on February 9, 1948, Barrister’s innovative approach transformed were music into Fuji, infusing it with modern instrumentation and dynamic stage performances. His impact on Fuji music was profound, as he popularized the genre both within Nigeria and internationally, earning a loyal fanbase that spans generations.

 

Leadership in Fuji Music: Past and Present :

Following the death of Barrister in 2010, the mantle of leadership within Fuji music has often been a topic of discussion. Alhaji Kollington Ayinla, another prominent figure in the Fuji music scene, is widely acknowledged as the current leader. Kollington, known for his unique style and powerful lyrics, played a significant role in shaping Fuji music alongside Barrister. His contributions to the genre are invaluable, and it is essential to recognize his position and influence within the Fuji community.

 

Correcting Misconceptions And Honoring Legacy :

In recent times, there has been a growing trend among younger Fuji artists and fans—often referred to as the “Indomie Generation”—to overlook the contributions of foundational figures like Kollington Ayinla. Some have even begun to lay claims to titles and positions that rightfully belong to the pioneers of Fuji music. This publication seeks to correct these misconceptions and ensure that due credit is given where it is deserved.

 

Kollington Ayinla, as the rightful heir to the leadership of Fuji music, deserves respect and recognition. While it is important to acknowledge the contributions of emerging artists, it should never come at the expense of those who paved the way for Fuji music to flourish. The legacy of pioneers like Barrister and Kollington must be preserved and celebrated, not overshadowed by contemporary claims.

 

Enlightening The New Generation :

It is imperative for the younger generation to be educated about the history and origins of Fuji music. Understanding the genre’s roots, the sacrifices and innovations of its pioneers, and the cultural significance it holds will foster a greater appreciation and respect for Fuji music. This knowledge will ensure that the legacy of Fuji music remains intact and that its leadership is rightfully honored.

 

Fuji music is more than just a genre; it is a cultural treasure that embodies the spirit and resilience of the Nigerian people. By acknowledging and celebrating the pioneers who created and shaped Fuji music, we preserve its rich history and ensure that future generations understand and respect its origins. As we look to the future of Fuji music, let us remember the words of Barrister and Kollington, who through their artistry, have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Late SAB is the authentic Fuji Mi….

_Fuji mi, Fuji mi, the source—let us always remember where it all began._

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Meet Azeez Odumosu, The Multi-Talented Yoruba Actor Shaping Nollywood’s Future

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Meet Azeez Odumosu, The Multi-Talented Yoruba Actor Shaping Nollywood’s Future

 

Azeez Awiye Odumosu also known as Veron, a rising star in the Yoruba movie industry, has become a force to reckon with as an actor, producer, influencer and the CEO Awiye TV on YouTube channel. Known for his vibrant presence on TikTok and as a successful entrepreneur, Odumosu is the owner of Awiye Autos Nigeria Limited, a reputable car dealership based in Lagos State.

Hailing from Iragunsin, Epe, Lagos State, Azeez began his journey as a content creator, leveraging social media to showcase his talent and build a fanbase. His transition into Nollywood came when he connected with key players in the industry. In 2024, his professional acting career officially began after being introduced to his boss, Kayode Adebayo, popularly known as Kay Alubarika, who is a Nollywood movie director, Akintelu Fatimah Gbemisola and a popular D.O.P, Azeez Tijani also known as AZ.

Since joining the industry, Azeez has featured in several Yoruba movies, earning recognition for his talent and dedication. His venture into movie production has also gained attention, with his debut production, “Odun Kan”, promising to be a blockbuster. With his growing ambitions, Odumosu is currently planning to shoot a cinematic movie, aiming to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

Balancing his acting career with his thriving business, Awiye Autos Nigeria Limited, Azeez Odumosu exemplifies versatility and determination. As he continues to excel in Nollywood and beyond, fans eagerly anticipate his next projects and entrepreneurial milestones.

Meet Azeez Odumosu, The Multi-Talented Yoruba Actor Shaping Nollywood’s Future

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