Ayinde Barrister: Inspiring Story of Music Legend Who Pioneered Fuji Making Waves Years After Death

The Nigerian music industry is home to a wealth of incredible talent, with many artists keeping the flag flying high for years and making the nation proud on the global stage. Sadly, some of these legends are no longer with us, but they have left an indelible mark in the sand of time, with their creativity and unforgettable contributions to music.

One of the most influential figures in the development of Nigeria's music industry is Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Balogun, famously known as Ayinde Barrister, the pioneer of Fuji music. Without his groundbreaking contributions, it’s hard to imagine that Fuji music would have the prominence it does today.

Not only did he shape the genre, but he also ensured its continuity by passing the baton to future legends, such as his protégé, Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, better known as K1 De Ultimate.

Ayinde Barrister's background

Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Balogun was born in 1948. His father, Salawu Balogun, was a butcher, while his mother, Hajia Shifawu Odee Subuola, was a trader until her death in 2001. In one of his interviews, Barrister mentioned that his father was also a musician in Ibadan, though he passed away too early for him to enjoy his craft. Growing up in such a culturally rich environment greatly influenced his musical journey.

Not much is known about his siblings, but his immediate younger brother, Alhaji Nurudeen Balogun, also talented in Fuji music, spoke glowingly about him after his death. Nurudeen recalled that Barrister took care of him and was responsible for his training after they lost their father while still very young.

Ayinde Barrister's education

Barrister attended Muslim Mission School and later Model School, Mushin, Lagos. He could not complete secondary school due to the death of his father in 1968. However, his mother tried to support his education as a petty trader but could not keep up, forcing him to drop out. He later learned typing and other commercial courses at the then Yaba Polytechnic.

Barrister's introduction to music

With a father who was a musician, Barrister developed an early interest in music. He began as an Ajiwere singer during Ramadan and released his first LP in 1966, coincidentally the same day King Sunny Ade released his debut record.

Because Were music was limited to the Ramadan period, he struggled to sustain himself financially and decided to join the Nigerian Army. Before his death, he explained that his decision was influenced not only by patriotism, but also because the military paid more than his music earnings at the time.

Ayinde Barrister's military career

Chief (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister served as a typist at Nigerian Breweries before joining the Nigerian Army during the Civil War. He became a clerk and served in the 10th Brigade of the 2nd Division under Col. Adeniran. He was later posted to the Army Signals Headquarters, Apapa, and the Army Resettlement Centre, Oshodi. After leaving the army, he returned fully to music and formed his band, the Supreme Fuji Commanders.

How Barrister pioneer of Fuji music

Barrister pioneered Fuji music by transforming Were (Islamic Yoruba chants and praise songs during Ramadan) into a full-fledged genre. He wanted to make the sound popular beyond the fasting season. Hence, he chose the name “Fuji” after seeing a poster advertising Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan. Most of his inspiration, however, came from Were and Ajisari music.

He went on to release more than 140 albums, with some of the most popular works coming in the 1980s and 1990s.

Raising Wasiu Ayinde Marshal

During an interview, Barrister said that KWAM 1’s story would not be complete without him as they both shared a great bond, though he is not KWAM1's biological father, KWAM 1 is regarded by many as Barrister's son.

Wasiu grew up around Barrister, initially helping to pack musical instruments for his band before becoming a full member in the 1970s. Wasiu also lived with him for much of his childhood while attending school.

KWAM 1 later adopted the name Ayinde with Barrister’s blessing, and he was publicly endorsed on stage by his mentor, Barrister who gave him his cap, and symbolically passed on the baton of Fuji music to him. He also crowned KWAM 1 as Fuji King during his lifetime, a moment that has resurfaced online in videos and sparked debate within the industry.

Barrister's marriage and children

Reports about the number of Barrister’s children vary. Some claim he had 62 children with 16 wives, while others put the figure at 47 children. In an interview, his son Barry Showkey confirmed the 47 figure but did not state how many women were involved, only noting that his mother was the fifth wife.

Despite the large family, Barrister was described as a family man who insisted all his children gather every December to pray for the new year.

Ayinde Barrister's legacy after death

Barrister’s legacy continues to be celebrated. In 2022, a colloquium was held in his honour, attended by his wives, children, and Fuji artistes. In 2024, he was honoured with a minute’s silence during the Fuji Festival in Lagos. That same year, Fuji star Alao Malaika renovated his residence, the Fuji Chamber, in Isolo, Lagos.

Barrister's death and burial

On December 16, 2010, Barrister died at St. Mary’s Hospital in London after battling diabetes. He was flown back to Nigeria and buried at his residence, Fuji Chamber, in Lagos. His burial at night sparked controversy, but his brother, Nurudeen, clarified that it was in line with Barrister’s personal instruction.

Ayinla Omowura: Renowned musician and his career

Legit.ng earlier reported that Ayinla Omowura sneaked into the memories of Nigerians once again in works of legendary moviemaker, Tunde Kelani.

Apart from the commendable attempt to give an insight into a fraction of his life, the star-packed production led by thespian Adedimeji Lateef opened the eyes of many to the events that led to Ayinla’s death.

Source: Legit.ng