Adewale Ayuba – I Have Fulfilled My Agreement With My Parents To Have One Wife
Dr. Adewale Saliu Okeola, aka Adewale Ayuba, is still bubbling – many, many years after he ‘wowed’ all of us with his hit album, Bubble. The gentleman Fuji musician who has remained scandal-free since his emergence on the scene played host to YES INTERNATIONAL, at his office on Akin Oshiyemi Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, March 6, 2014. They talked about a lot of issues like his career, marriage, what has been sustaining him and more. Enjoy…
What makes a good musician?
When you talk about a good musician, you are talking about the lyrics put together when you want to wax an album, how important the lyrics are to the people and to the nation. That’s No. 1. No. 2 is to be a role model. So, your outfit, dressing, how you behave in social gatherings matter a lot. Three is – any country you are born in – whether you are Yoruba or whatever, you need to do something that will protect your culture. So, for me, that is the hierarchy of what makes a good musician. It’s not just oh, I can sing and all that.
When you talk about a good musician, you are talking about the lyrics put together when you want to wax an album, how important the lyrics are to the people and to the nation. That’s No. 1. No. 2 is to be a role model. So, your outfit, dressing, how you behave in social gatherings matter a lot. Three is – any country you are born in – whether you are Yoruba or whatever, you need to do something that will protect your culture. So, for me, that is the hierarchy of what makes a good musician. It’s not just oh, I can sing and all that.
What makes a good song?
What makes a good song is good lyrics. A song that can educate people, a song that you can gain from, not just listening to it for the fun of it.
What makes a good song is good lyrics. A song that can educate people, a song that you can gain from, not just listening to it for the fun of it.
What is the biggest mistake that any musician can make?
Ah! Biggest mistake? It’s for you to have any lyrics or music out there that can affect your nation. Something that is contrary to the constitution of Nigeria or the image of your country.
Ah! Biggest mistake? It’s for you to have any lyrics or music out there that can affect your nation. Something that is contrary to the constitution of Nigeria or the image of your country.
For any musician to come up with good songs, what must the person do?
Yes, you have to think of the neighbourhood you are in, the problem that is going on there, the good things and the other side. Then, you put them together to work on your lyrics. So that everybody will be looking forward to listening to it and also say that oh, this is a good advice for me. Maybe you can choose to sing about marital issues to advice couples or something that can educate people. That is it.
Yes, you have to think of the neighbourhood you are in, the problem that is going on there, the good things and the other side. Then, you put them together to work on your lyrics. So that everybody will be looking forward to listening to it and also say that oh, this is a good advice for me. Maybe you can choose to sing about marital issues to advice couples or something that can educate people. That is it.
In climbing the success ladder musically, what must a musician not do?
When you say successful, it depends. Because like in Nigeria, there are some musicians that just want to make music to make money. They don’t care where that music takes them. Some people are looking forward to having a Grammy award. They want their music to take them to Grammy. So, it depends on what you want and the level you want to go. But for me, you need to be very creative, people have to know you for your work, you have to be original…
When you say successful, it depends. Because like in Nigeria, there are some musicians that just want to make music to make money. They don’t care where that music takes them. Some people are looking forward to having a Grammy award. They want their music to take them to Grammy. So, it depends on what you want and the level you want to go. But for me, you need to be very creative, people have to know you for your work, you have to be original…
What distinguishes Ayuba as a musician?
I will say it’s the people that should know. It’s the people who can say oh, Ayuba is different from this or that person and they will know the reason they are saying it. But I just know that if you listen to my own kind of music; my own kind of Fuji music is called Bonsue. It’s more or less a fusion of different rhythms. A non-Yoruba speaking Nigerian can listen to my music and enjoy it; a Muslim can enjoy it, a Christian can enjoy it and particularly the elite can gain from it.
I will say it’s the people that should know. It’s the people who can say oh, Ayuba is different from this or that person and they will know the reason they are saying it. But I just know that if you listen to my own kind of music; my own kind of Fuji music is called Bonsue. It’s more or less a fusion of different rhythms. A non-Yoruba speaking Nigerian can listen to my music and enjoy it; a Muslim can enjoy it, a Christian can enjoy it and particularly the elite can gain from it.
What do you like most about being a musician?
No. 1 thing is that if it gets you to the level that you are popular, it opens every door for you. 99% doors. That is the beauty of it. Once they hear your name; oh, can we help you? will follow.
No. 1 thing is that if it gets you to the level that you are popular, it opens every door for you. 99% doors. That is the beauty of it. Once they hear your name; oh, can we help you? will follow.
What don’t you like about being a musician?
Like now, I can’t just say I’m going to Oyingbo market; I can’t say I want to stand by the road side and buy boli and epa. Those are the things, because once you are popular, there are some things that you can no longer do. You will want to do it, but being a popular guy, you can’t do it.
Like now, I can’t just say I’m going to Oyingbo market; I can’t say I want to stand by the road side and buy boli and epa. Those are the things, because once you are popular, there are some things that you can no longer do. You will want to do it, but being a popular guy, you can’t do it.
Most musicians attain success but find it difficult to sustain it, what do you think is usually the problem?
They always forget where they are coming from. No. 1 is you should realize that the talent you have is not from you; it’s from God. Once you forget that particular side, there will be problem. Because for you to manage the talent, you need to hold on tight to your God.
They always forget where they are coming from. No. 1 is you should realize that the talent you have is not from you; it’s from God. Once you forget that particular side, there will be problem. Because for you to manage the talent, you need to hold on tight to your God.
What is the greatest thing that being a musician has done for you?
It has made me popular and everybody likes praise. If you go to any place, you will hear oh, is that not Ayuba? Even the government; everybody. That is the beauty of success.
It has made me popular and everybody likes praise. If you go to any place, you will hear oh, is that not Ayuba? Even the government; everybody. That is the beauty of success.
Is there any kind of song that a musician must not sing?
Songs that are negative about your nation. Secondly, songs that are negative about God. You have to praise God and celebrate your nation.
Songs that are negative about your nation. Secondly, songs that are negative about God. You have to praise God and celebrate your nation.
What got you interested in music in the first place?
I can tell you it’s talent. I started singing when I was 7-years-old. So, I will say talent.
I can tell you it’s talent. I started singing when I was 7-years-old. So, I will say talent.
At that early age, didn’t your parents try to discourage you?
Yeah, yeah! My parents wanted me to be educated and believed that if they should allow me to go on, I might change. You know there are some particular behaviours that go with musicians – drinking, smoking, womanizing – which they didn’t want their child to learn. But at the end of the day, we sat down and worked it out and I promised in the constitution that we wrote that for us to let you do yourmusic, you have to go to school, you will not womanise, you will not drink, you will not smoke and when you are old enough to marry, you have to marry one woman.
Yeah, yeah! My parents wanted me to be educated and believed that if they should allow me to go on, I might change. You know there are some particular behaviours that go with musicians – drinking, smoking, womanizing – which they didn’t want their child to learn. But at the end of the day, we sat down and worked it out and I promised in the constitution that we wrote that for us to let you do yourmusic, you have to go to school, you will not womanise, you will not drink, you will not smoke and when you are old enough to marry, you have to marry one woman.
Your brand of Fuji music is called Bonsue, what exactly does Bonsue mean and how did you come about the name?
Bonsue is the name that my mother used to abuse me when I was young. When they sent me on any errand, I will be singing and by the time I get there, I had forgotten what they asked me to do. So, by the time I come back, she will say you this bo, bo, bo, bonsue; you better face your book o! So, when I now decided to have my own band, I called it Bonsue.
Bonsue is the name that my mother used to abuse me when I was young. When they sent me on any errand, I will be singing and by the time I get there, I had forgotten what they asked me to do. So, by the time I come back, she will say you this bo, bo, bo, bonsue; you better face your book o! So, when I now decided to have my own band, I called it Bonsue.
Which of your compositions do you like best and why?
I love all my compositions, but Bubble is the one that made me so popular and it was because of the record company I did it for (Sony Music). They were able to support the marketing very well.
I love all my compositions, but Bubble is the one that made me so popular and it was because of the record company I did it for (Sony Music). They were able to support the marketing very well.
People listen to your music, whose music do you listen to?
I listen to good music. Any music that I can gain from.
I listen to good music. Any music that I can gain from.
What is the best way for any musician to come up with hit albums consistently?
No. 1, God. He’s the one that gives hit albums. When you want to come out with a hit, He’s the one that puts it on your head and the other one is seriousness.
No. 1, God. He’s the one that gives hit albums. When you want to come out with a hit, He’s the one that puts it on your head and the other one is seriousness.
When will you describe as the turning point in your career?
When one of our former Presidents, Babangida gave me an award in Abuja in 1991 as the Artiste of the Year. And you know when you are talking about Artiste of the Year, it’s all over Nigeria. Not only the western side of the country. I didn’t even believe I would win that because of the kind of music I sing.
When one of our former Presidents, Babangida gave me an award in Abuja in 1991 as the Artiste of the Year. And you know when you are talking about Artiste of the Year, it’s all over Nigeria. Not only the western side of the country. I didn’t even believe I would win that because of the kind of music I sing.
One of the noticeable things about Ayuba is that he dances very well, how did you cultivate that?
I started early. It’s not like I went to a school of dancing, but through Bubble – when we released the Bubble album, a lot of people wanted us to teach them how to dance to Bubble and that was how I started. And when Bubble came out, everybody was now saying oh, this guy dances very well and because of that I had to continue.
I started early. It’s not like I went to a school of dancing, but through Bubble – when we released the Bubble album, a lot of people wanted us to teach them how to dance to Bubble and that was how I started. And when Bubble came out, everybody was now saying oh, this guy dances very well and because of that I had to continue.
You’ve been able to maintain this good physique over the years, how have you been able to do that?
I think it’s due to my eating habit. Like when you drink, you know what happens to you, when you smoke, you know what happens to you and the major one is the glory of God.
I think it’s due to my eating habit. Like when you drink, you know what happens to you, when you smoke, you know what happens to you and the major one is the glory of God.
Most musicians find themselves in one scandal or another. But so far, Ayuba has been scandal-free. What is the secret?
I will say God, because you see, there’s no way you will walk and your head will not shake. So, I will just give it to God. But the important thing is – don’t let your popularity go into your head; don’t ever see yourself as a star. Anybody can call you anything – king, star, whatever. But see yourself as them because you are not different from anybody.
I will say God, because you see, there’s no way you will walk and your head will not shake. So, I will just give it to God. But the important thing is – don’t let your popularity go into your head; don’t ever see yourself as a star. Anybody can call you anything – king, star, whatever. But see yourself as them because you are not different from anybody.
Music has done a lot for Ayuba, what has it not done for you yet?
It has not given me my private life (Laughs). It has taken my private life from me.
It has not given me my private life (Laughs). It has taken my private life from me.
People listen to your music to relax, what do you do for relaxation?
Soccer game…
Soccer game…
Oh, you play football?
No, I don’t play football, but I love watching it.
No, I don’t play football, but I love watching it.
So, which team are your supporting?
I’m an Arsenal fan.
I’m an Arsenal fan.
Can we talk about your family? We know you are married to an Igbo lady…
Yeah, I’m married to a woman from Onitsha. Her name is Azuka, she’s from the Kwentoh family and we are blessed with four kids…
Yeah, I’m married to a woman from Onitsha. Her name is Azuka, she’s from the Kwentoh family and we are blessed with four kids…
You met her in school, can you tell us your love story?
Yeah, I met her at Queensborough Community College in New York, USA…
Yeah, I met her at Queensborough Community College in New York, USA…
(Interruption) – So, what attracted you to her?
It was while we were doing our registration. When I finished my registration, I went to the cafeteria, sitting down with my friends and all of a sudden, we saw a lady coming. I didn’t know she was a Nigerian, but I just said to my friend: see my wife. The guy was laughing. Even me, I didn’t know what put that in my mouth and after like 30 minutes, we saw the same lady again come to our table. I said how are you, what’s your name? She said my name is Azuka. I said I’m Wale, my friend is Jimmy. She now said are you people from Nigeria? We said yes. And she said if you are Nigerians, kindly go to one room, they are trying to group all Nigerians. That was how we got to know ourselves and the rest is history.
It was while we were doing our registration. When I finished my registration, I went to the cafeteria, sitting down with my friends and all of a sudden, we saw a lady coming. I didn’t know she was a Nigerian, but I just said to my friend: see my wife. The guy was laughing. Even me, I didn’t know what put that in my mouth and after like 30 minutes, we saw the same lady again come to our table. I said how are you, what’s your name? She said my name is Azuka. I said I’m Wale, my friend is Jimmy. She now said are you people from Nigeria? We said yes. And she said if you are Nigerians, kindly go to one room, they are trying to group all Nigerians. That was how we got to know ourselves and the rest is history.
What new things should your fans expect from you?
By the grace of God, putting Fuji music into disco hall is the next thing. We are trying to digitalize Fuji. Also, we just acquired some equipment – visual equipment for any fuji musician in Nigeria; if you have an album and you want to shoot your video, come, we will do 5 minutes of your video for you free. Because when you are talking about videos, you will realize that that’s the problem most Fuji musicians have. You can see hip hop and RnB artistes, their videos are always fantastic and clean. But to do that kind of video, you need nothing less than N800,000 to N1 million and how many marketers can pay an upcoming Fuji artiste that? So, that is what I want to correct. Once you are a Fuji musician, I don’t care whether you are Igbo or Yoruba, I will shoot a 5-minute video for you free. A classy video.
By the grace of God, putting Fuji music into disco hall is the next thing. We are trying to digitalize Fuji. Also, we just acquired some equipment – visual equipment for any fuji musician in Nigeria; if you have an album and you want to shoot your video, come, we will do 5 minutes of your video for you free. Because when you are talking about videos, you will realize that that’s the problem most Fuji musicians have. You can see hip hop and RnB artistes, their videos are always fantastic and clean. But to do that kind of video, you need nothing less than N800,000 to N1 million and how many marketers can pay an upcoming Fuji artiste that? So, that is what I want to correct. Once you are a Fuji musician, I don’t care whether you are Igbo or Yoruba, I will shoot a 5-minute video for you free. A classy video.
Most Fuji musicians are controversial, but Ayuba is not. What are they doing that you are not doing?
I don’t know what other people do that I don’t do. I just told you what my parents said I shouldn’t be doing. I don’t know, I don’t know…But I think it’s God. Not me.
I don’t know what other people do that I don’t do. I just told you what my parents said I shouldn’t be doing. I don’t know, I don’t know…But I think it’s God. Not me.
What makes a good musician?
When you talk about a good musician, you are talking about the lyrics put together when you want to wax an album, how important the lyrics are to the people and to the nation. That’s No. 1. No. 2 is to be a role model. So, your outfit, dressing, how you behave in social gatherings matter a lot. Three is – any country you are born in – whether you are Yoruba or whatever, you need to do something that will protect your culture. So, for me, that is the hierarchy of what makes a good musician. It’s not just oh, I can sing and all that.
When you talk about a good musician, you are talking about the lyrics put together when you want to wax an album, how important the lyrics are to the people and to the nation. That’s No. 1. No. 2 is to be a role model. So, your outfit, dressing, how you behave in social gatherings matter a lot. Three is – any country you are born in – whether you are Yoruba or whatever, you need to do something that will protect your culture. So, for me, that is the hierarchy of what makes a good musician. It’s not just oh, I can sing and all that.
What makes a good song?
What makes a good song is good lyrics. A song that can educate people, a song that you can gain from, not just listening to it for the fun of it.
What makes a good song is good lyrics. A song that can educate people, a song that you can gain from, not just listening to it for the fun of it.
What is the biggest mistake that any musician can make?
Ah! Biggest mistake? It’s for you to have any lyrics or music out there that can affect your nation. Something that is contrary to the constitution of Nigeria or the image of your country.
Ah! Biggest mistake? It’s for you to have any lyrics or music out there that can affect your nation. Something that is contrary to the constitution of Nigeria or the image of your country.
For any musician to come up with good songs, what must the person do?
Yes, you have to think of the neighbourhood you are in, the problem that is going on there, the good things and the other side. Then, you put them together to work on your lyrics. So that everybody will be looking forward to listening to it and also say that oh, this is a good advice for me. Maybe you can choose to sing about marital issues to advice couples or something that can educate people. That is it.
Yes, you have to think of the neighbourhood you are in, the problem that is going on there, the good things and the other side. Then, you put them together to work on your lyrics. So that everybody will be looking forward to listening to it and also say that oh, this is a good advice for me. Maybe you can choose to sing about marital issues to advice couples or something that can educate people. That is it.
In climbing the success ladder musically, what must a musician not do?
When you say successful, it depends. Because like in Nigeria, there are some musicians that just want to make music to make money. They don’t care where that music takes them. Some people are looking forward to having a Grammy award. They want their music to take them to Grammy. So, it depends on what you want and the level you want to go. But for me, you need to be very creative, people have to know you for your work, you have to be original…
When you say successful, it depends. Because like in Nigeria, there are some musicians that just want to make music to make money. They don’t care where that music takes them. Some people are looking forward to having a Grammy award. They want their music to take them to Grammy. So, it depends on what you want and the level you want to go. But for me, you need to be very creative, people have to know you for your work, you have to be original…
What distinguishes Ayuba as a musician?
I will say it’s the people that should know. It’s the people who can say oh, Ayuba is different from this or that person and they will know the reason they are saying it. But I just know that if you listen to my own kind of music; my own kind of Fuji music is called Bonsue. It’s more or less a fusion of different rhythms. A non-Yoruba speaking Nigerian can listen to my music and enjoy it; a Muslim can enjoy it, a Christian can enjoy it and particularly the elite can gain from it.
I will say it’s the people that should know. It’s the people who can say oh, Ayuba is different from this or that person and they will know the reason they are saying it. But I just know that if you listen to my own kind of music; my own kind of Fuji music is called Bonsue. It’s more or less a fusion of different rhythms. A non-Yoruba speaking Nigerian can listen to my music and enjoy it; a Muslim can enjoy it, a Christian can enjoy it and particularly the elite can gain from it.
What do you like most about being a musician?
No. 1 thing is that if it gets you to the level that you are popular, it opens every door for you. 99% doors. That is the beauty of it. Once they hear your name; oh, can we help you? will follow.
No. 1 thing is that if it gets you to the level that you are popular, it opens every door for you. 99% doors. That is the beauty of it. Once they hear your name; oh, can we help you? will follow.
What don’t you like about being a musician?
Like now, I can’t just say I’m going to Oyingbo market; I can’t say I want to stand by the road side and buy boli and epa. Those are the things, because once you are popular, there are some things that you can no longer do. You will want to do it, but being a popular guy, you can’t do it.
Like now, I can’t just say I’m going to Oyingbo market; I can’t say I want to stand by the road side and buy boli and epa. Those are the things, because once you are popular, there are some things that you can no longer do. You will want to do it, but being a popular guy, you can’t do it.
Most musicians attain success but find it difficult to sustain it, what do you think is usually the problem?
They always forget where they are coming from. No. 1 is you should realize that the talent you have is not from you; it’s from God. Once you forget that particular side, there will be problem. Because for you to manage the talent, you need to hold on tight to your God.
They always forget where they are coming from. No. 1 is you should realize that the talent you have is not from you; it’s from God. Once you forget that particular side, there will be problem. Because for you to manage the talent, you need to hold on tight to your God.
What is the greatest thing that being a musician has done for you?
It has made me popular and everybody likes praise. If you go to any place, you will hear oh, is that not Ayuba? Even the government; everybody. That is the beauty of success.
It has made me popular and everybody likes praise. If you go to any place, you will hear oh, is that not Ayuba? Even the government; everybody. That is the beauty of success.
Is there any kind of song that a musician must not sing?
Songs that are negative about your nation. Secondly, songs that are negative about God. You have to praise God and celebrate your nation.
Songs that are negative about your nation. Secondly, songs that are negative about God. You have to praise God and celebrate your nation.
What got you interested in music in the first place?
I can tell you it’s talent. I started singing when I was 7-years-old. So, I will say talent.
I can tell you it’s talent. I started singing when I was 7-years-old. So, I will say talent.
At that early age, didn’t your parents try to discourage you?
Yeah, yeah! My parents wanted me to be educated and believed that if they should allow me to go on, I might change. You know there are some particular behaviours that go with musicians – drinking, smoking, womanizing – which they didn’t want their child to learn. But at the end of the day, we sat down and worked it out and I promised in the constitution that we wrote that for us to let you do yourmusic, you have to go to school, you will not womanise, you will not drink, you will not smoke and when you are old enough to marry, you have to marry one woman.
Yeah, yeah! My parents wanted me to be educated and believed that if they should allow me to go on, I might change. You know there are some particular behaviours that go with musicians – drinking, smoking, womanizing – which they didn’t want their child to learn. But at the end of the day, we sat down and worked it out and I promised in the constitution that we wrote that for us to let you do yourmusic, you have to go to school, you will not womanise, you will not drink, you will not smoke and when you are old enough to marry, you have to marry one woman.
Your brand of Fuji music is called Bonsue, what exactly does Bonsue mean and how did you come about the name?
Bonsue is the name that my mother used to abuse me when I was young. When they sent me on any errand, I will be singing and by the time I get there, I had forgotten what they asked me to do. So, by the time I come back, she will say you this bo, bo, bo, bonsue; you better face your book o! So, when I now decided to have my own band, I called it Bonsue.
Bonsue is the name that my mother used to abuse me when I was young. When they sent me on any errand, I will be singing and by the time I get there, I had forgotten what they asked me to do. So, by the time I come back, she will say you this bo, bo, bo, bonsue; you better face your book o! So, when I now decided to have my own band, I called it Bonsue.
Which of your compositions do you like best and why?
I love all my compositions, but Bubble is the one that made me so popular and it was because of the record company I did it for (Sony Music). They were able to support the marketing very well.
I love all my compositions, but Bubble is the one that made me so popular and it was because of the record company I did it for (Sony Music). They were able to support the marketing very well.
People listen to your music, whose music do you listen to?
I listen to good music. Any music that I can gain from.
I listen to good music. Any music that I can gain from.
What is the best way for any musician to come up with hit albums consistently?
No. 1, God. He’s the one that gives hit albums. When you want to come out with a hit, He’s the one that puts it on your head and the other one is seriousness.
No. 1, God. He’s the one that gives hit albums. When you want to come out with a hit, He’s the one that puts it on your head and the other one is seriousness.
When will you describe as the turning point in your career?
When one of our former Presidents, Babangida gave me an award in Abuja in 1991 as the Artiste of the Year. And you know when you are talking about Artiste of the Year, it’s all over Nigeria. Not only the western side of the country. I didn’t even believe I would win that because of the kind of music I sing.
When one of our former Presidents, Babangida gave me an award in Abuja in 1991 as the Artiste of the Year. And you know when you are talking about Artiste of the Year, it’s all over Nigeria. Not only the western side of the country. I didn’t even believe I would win that because of the kind of music I sing.
One of the noticeable things about Ayuba is that he dances very well, how did you cultivate that?
I started early. It’s not like I went to a school of dancing, but through Bubble – when we released the Bubble album, a lot of people wanted us to teach them how to dance to Bubble and that was how I started. And when Bubble came out, everybody was now saying oh, this guy dances very well and because of that I had to continue.
I started early. It’s not like I went to a school of dancing, but through Bubble – when we released the Bubble album, a lot of people wanted us to teach them how to dance to Bubble and that was how I started. And when Bubble came out, everybody was now saying oh, this guy dances very well and because of that I had to continue.
You’ve been able to maintain this good physique over the years, how have you been able to do that?
I think it’s due to my eating habit. Like when you drink, you know what happens to you, when you smoke, you know what happens to you and the major one is the glory of God.
I think it’s due to my eating habit. Like when you drink, you know what happens to you, when you smoke, you know what happens to you and the major one is the glory of God.
Most musicians find themselves in one scandal or another. But so far, Ayuba has been scandal-free. What is the secret?
I will say God, because you see, there’s no way you will walk and your head will not shake. So, I will just give it to God. But the important thing is – don’t let your popularity go into your head; don’t ever see yourself as a star. Anybody can call you anything – king, star, whatever. But see yourself as them because you are not different from anybody.
I will say God, because you see, there’s no way you will walk and your head will not shake. So, I will just give it to God. But the important thing is – don’t let your popularity go into your head; don’t ever see yourself as a star. Anybody can call you anything – king, star, whatever. But see yourself as them because you are not different from anybody.
Music has done a lot for Ayuba, what has it not done for you yet?
It has not given me my private life (Laughs). It has taken my private life from me.
It has not given me my private life (Laughs). It has taken my private life from me.
People listen to your music to relax, what do you do for relaxation?
Soccer game…
Soccer game…
Oh, you play football?
No, I don’t play football, but I love watching it.
No, I don’t play football, but I love watching it.
So, which team are your supporting?
I’m an Arsenal fan.
I’m an Arsenal fan.
Can we talk about your family? We know you are married to an Igbo lady…
Yeah, I’m married to a woman from Onitsha. Her name is Azuka, she’s from the Kwentoh family and we are blessed with four kids…
Yeah, I’m married to a woman from Onitsha. Her name is Azuka, she’s from the Kwentoh family and we are blessed with four kids…
You met her in school, can you tell us your love story?
Yeah, I met her at Queensborough Community College in New York, USA…
Yeah, I met her at Queensborough Community College in New York, USA…
(Interruption) – So, what attracted you to her?
It was while we were doing our registration. When I finished my registration, I went to the cafeteria, sitting down with my friends and all of a sudden, we saw a lady coming. I didn’t know she was a Nigerian, but I just said to my friend: see my wife. The guy was laughing. Even me, I didn’t know what put that in my mouth and after like 30 minutes, we saw the same lady again come to our table. I said how are you, what’s your name? She said my name is Azuka. I said I’m Wale, my friend is Jimmy. She now said are you people from Nigeria? We said yes. And she said if you are Nigerians, kindly go to one room, they are trying to group all Nigerians. That was how we got to know ourselves and the rest is history.
It was while we were doing our registration. When I finished my registration, I went to the cafeteria, sitting down with my friends and all of a sudden, we saw a lady coming. I didn’t know she was a Nigerian, but I just said to my friend: see my wife. The guy was laughing. Even me, I didn’t know what put that in my mouth and after like 30 minutes, we saw the same lady again come to our table. I said how are you, what’s your name? She said my name is Azuka. I said I’m Wale, my friend is Jimmy. She now said are you people from Nigeria? We said yes. And she said if you are Nigerians, kindly go to one room, they are trying to group all Nigerians. That was how we got to know ourselves and the rest is history.
What new things should your fans expect from you?
By the grace of God, putting Fuji music into disco hall is the next thing. We are trying to digitalize Fuji. Also, we just acquired some equipment – visual equipment for any fuji musician in Nigeria; if you have an album and you want to shoot your video, come, we will do 5 minutes of your video for you free. Because when you are talking about videos, you will realize that that’s the problem most Fuji musicians have. You can see hip hop and RnB artistes, their videos are always fantastic and clean. But to do that kind of video, you need nothing less than N800,000 to N1 million and how many marketers can pay an upcoming Fuji artiste that? So, that is what I want to correct. Once you are a Fuji musician, I don’t care whether you are Igbo or Yoruba, I will shoot a 5-minute video for you free. A classy video.
By the grace of God, putting Fuji music into disco hall is the next thing. We are trying to digitalize Fuji. Also, we just acquired some equipment – visual equipment for any fuji musician in Nigeria; if you have an album and you want to shoot your video, come, we will do 5 minutes of your video for you free. Because when you are talking about videos, you will realize that that’s the problem most Fuji musicians have. You can see hip hop and RnB artistes, their videos are always fantastic and clean. But to do that kind of video, you need nothing less than N800,000 to N1 million and how many marketers can pay an upcoming Fuji artiste that? So, that is what I want to correct. Once you are a Fuji musician, I don’t care whether you are Igbo or Yoruba, I will shoot a 5-minute video for you free. A classy video.
Most Fuji musicians are controversial, but Ayuba is not. What are they doing that you are not doing?
I don’t know what other people do that I don’t do. I just told you what my parents said I shouldn’t be doing. I don’t know, I don’t know…But I think it’s God. Not me.
I don’t know what other people do that I don’t do. I just told you what my parents said I shouldn’t be doing. I don’t know, I don’t know…But I think it’s God. Not me.
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