Fuji music icon Abass Akande Obesere has insisted that no genre whether hip-hop or Afrobeats can overshadow the cultural depth and staying power of Fuji music.
Speaking with Sunday Scoop, the veteran artiste, who has spent more than 30 years shaping the Fuji sound, reflected on the lessons his long career has taught him. According to him, perseverance and authenticity have been crucial to his journey.
“Over the last 30 years, the biggest lesson I have learnt is to keep going despite the challenges,” he said.
“I faced various struggles carving a niche for myself. I was even tagged an Asakasa singer. It was tough to let people know it was just slang and that I was being original.”
Obesere noted that staying relevant requires constant evolution and openness to new trends.
“Being able to connect means you have to be on top of your game. I evolved with the trend. Permit me to say it’s ‘Street OT’. I didn’t look down on myself as if I’m too old. If you see yourself as an old singer, you will be overtaken. But that doesn’t mean the younger ones shouldn’t progress. As they move, you maintain your lane discipline and continue to earn your respect.”
On rising stars such as Asake and Burna Boy, who frequently sample Fuji elements, the singer expressed pride in how they are helping preserve the genre. He reiterated his long-held belief that Fuji cannot be erased by imported sounds.
“In many interviews I had granted in the past, I was asked if hip-hop would not stampede Fuji music, and my response has always been that hip-hop will never override Fuji,” he said. “The latter is a borrowed culture, but Fuji is our own, and it’s traditional.”
Reacting to Adekunle Gold’s recent Fuji album, Obesere praised the artiste for honouring and spotlighting the genre’s roots for a new generation of listeners.
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