Veteran fuji maestro, Alhaji General Kollington Ayinla, has reignited the long-simmering debate over leadership in the fuji music industry, emphatically declaring himself as the uncontested king of the genre.
In a candid interview on Agbaletu TV, the legendary singer made bold claims about his supremacy and responded to perceived slights from fellow fuji icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate.
Addressing questions surrounding his absence at the funeral of K1’s late mother, Kollington stated, “I called him several times, he didn’t pick up and didn’t return the call... So, I left him alone.” He expressed dismay at what he perceived as a lack of courtesy, citing other unreturned calls, including one made on New Year’s Day.
Kollington further dismissed K1’s rising influence, particularly his status as “head of the princes” in Ijebuland, asserting, “It is in his hometown... not in the Fuji industry.” He continued passionately, “Even if he says he wants to be the head of the fuji industry... does he want to be God? You became the head of the princes and still want to be the head of Fuji. Why not kill me then?”
Brushing aside notions of competition, Ayinla emphasized his enduring legacy: “When they ask, who is the head of Fuji Music, both here and abroad, it is my name that will be mentioned.” He dismissed claims of succession or hierarchy, insisting that his impact on fuji transcends any title K1 might claim.
“I am the authority of fuji music in Nigeria and abroad,” he declared, reinforcing his point by referencing one of K1’s own songs that, in his view, affirms his dominance.
This declaration comes shortly after a video interview of K1 himself resurfaced online, where he recounted the origins of his music journey. In the video, he credited his friend, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, for pulling him into music while they served in the army. He stated that it was after writing to the Orderly Room that he gained the confidence to pursue music professionally. Despite acknowledging that fuji existed before him, K1 emphasized his role in popularizing the genre, saying, “It was me and Sikiru that began fuji music.”
The contrasting narratives by the two fuji legends highlight the ongoing struggle for recognition in a genre deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and history. While Kollington Ayinla appeals to legacy and longevity, K1 de Ultimate often garners praise for his modernization and global reach within fuji.
As fans continue to celebrate both icons for their unique contributions, the debate over who truly reigns supreme in the fuji kingdom rages on.