Why I Choose Pasuma As My Role Model - Ibadan Born Fuji Rave, Taye Saoban *SET TO MAKE DIFFERENCE IN FUJI INDUSTRY

Taye Adekunle Abass popularly known as "Taye Saoban Idera Fuji", is a talented singer and versatile fuji artist who was known for delivering good music for his fans and listeners. The Ibadan born Fuji musician had a chat with HAPPY PEOPLE MAGAZINE, where he shared his experience in the music industry and his plans for  the year 2025. Excerpts:

Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Taye Adekunle Abass, popularly known as Taye Sauban Idera Fuji.

How did you come across your stage name "Idera Fuji".

The name came as a result of how I sang and handle my stage.My fans named me Idera fuji due to my level of calmness and mature style of singing. But let me put it on record that Sauban is part of my name so I added Sauban Idera Fuji. 

When did you start your musical journey?

I started a very long time ago and I have more than 20 years’ experience.

What is your reaction towards how people look at you fuji musician; Most people believe fuji music is meant for some  set of people, what is your reaction to this assumption?

There are different types of people with different taste. Music can be also compared with food. Some people love to eat solid foods while some preferred rice and that also applies to music. Some are lovers of  fuji and I can boldly say those who see Fuji singers as non educated don't really understand us. Many of us (Fuji) singers are well educated people. In fact we have many prominent people who are Fuji die hard fans. Fuji music is a universal music that everybody loves. We are the frontline musicians that accommodate our fans and that is what some people tagged as been rough. Fuji musicians are very decent people. 

Can you please tell us about your educational background?

I had my primary school education at IMG Primary School Molete, Ibadan and I proceeded to  St. David High School Molete Ibadan too for my secondary education. After my Secondary education I learnt Bricklaying work for some years.

Can you tell us your state of origin?

I am from Ile Abogun Popoymoja area in Ibadan Southwest local government Ibadan, Oyo State.

How many albums have you produced?

I have three albums. My mission, My Way and 2020 Experience.

How do you get inspiration for your album title?

I told you earlier that, my talent is music and my inspiration can come from anywhere and at any moment.

 When I produced “My Way” I want  many people to know that it is my way and my talent.

What happened in 2020 that makes you titled one of your album, “My 2020 experience?”

It was during the Covid19 period. Many people have different kinds of experience during that period, I got my inspiration from the lockdown. You know the period was a very bad experience that I can’t forget in my life, and the lockdown made the situation worse, but I thank God that I am alive today. Many people died through the pandemic while  businesses collapsed. Although some people became richer at that period but above all I will tell the story to my children and grand children and that is why I decided to enter studio and release my 2020 experience.

Can you share with us some of your wonderful experiences in this music journey so far? 

Yes, I thank God. My best moment was when I released my first album, this was after 15 years of singing; this is the reason why I called it my way and my mission, because it was a double album MY WAY AND MY MISSION".  The experience was very amazing.

Who are the people you worked together with to produce your first album?

I worked with O seleken in Lagos. He was my promoter while the producer of the album is Big Abbey entertainment, he is right here in Ibadan.

When was your darkest moment in Industry?

The year I wanted to release my first album  was in 2007. I haven’t finish the album even till now due to lack of fund, disappointment including from my promoter. Also, when I organised a show that could have brought me to limelight, the guest artist of the day disappointed me, he refused to show up after I have paid him and collected musical instruments. In fact we have to return all the gate fees we collect from our fans. After that, I felt very disappointed and felt betrayed, I was thinking of quiting the industry but like I told you earlier that music is an in-born thing for me. I decided to push again and Alliamudulah for what Allah has done in my life and where he his taking me to.

What are the biggest platforms you’ve ever performed? 

I have performed at Top 1 garden in Ibadan, Radio Lagos Ikeja and a very big hotel in Ajah called Royal Park where I launched my first album and some other big events too numerous to mention. 

Who is your favourite person and role model in  fuji industry?

I have only one person and his name is Alhaji Alabi Wasiu Pasuma. He is also my mentor, I am always looking up to him.

Have you ever had an opportunity to meet him one-on-one or shared stage with him?

I have never had the opportunity to meet him one-on-one but we had shared a stage together. 

If you have an opportunity to meet Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, what would you ask him to do for you.

Haaaa..........I will ask baba to help my career, because I also want to become a household name. I really want to discuss many things with him since he is my role model, but i will surely ask him to help me. Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma is a blessing to us in Nigeria and in Africa. I love him so much. He is very nice and a supportive person, if we look at numbers of artist he has lifted up, you will agree with me that he is God sent man  young artist. If you really want to grow and expand in the industry, you need to meet that kind of man.

This is year 2025, what are you planning for your fans?

There are many plans on ground, very soon I will release a new album titled “forward forever and backward never”. Tere are lots of promotion on plans on  by January ending we are going to hit the ground running. By the grace and power of God I will release an album and hold a show where my mentor, Alhaji Pasuma will be performing before the year runs out. We will start executing these plans by January 

Do you think fuji music is still in vogue just like hip hop?

Fuji music is still at the top. Years back, we only have illiterates as fuji listeners but now, we have more educated people showing love and interest in fuji. So with this, we have assurance that fuji music can never die, we will always be at the top. If not music, what do you think you will be doing right now?

I will move on with my profession as a building contractor, as I told you earlier. I was trained as a bricklayer and later grew in the profession. The love for construction made me go back to school and am presently studying Building Technology at one of Nigeria prominent University. 

What was your parents’ reaction when you decided to go into musical career?

I told them music is my talent and it is something I will really love to do and I thank God for today.

How do you cope with female fans and life generally?

We can’t embarrass them so whenever they say they like me and I am their friends, I always tell them that I am their friend too.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

With the help of Almighty Allah, I believe I would have become great and become an household name in the Fuji industry.

What would you like to say to your fans?

I really want  to appreciate my fans both home and abroad, I really want to beg them to continue to support my career.

What advise do you have for upcoming fuji artists?

They should keep trying their best and not lose hope. They should have  confidence in themselves and pray to God always.

AFE BABALOLA VS. DELE FAROTIMI : OONI RESOLVES THE LEGAL TUSSLE; AARE AFE BABALOLA TO WITHDRAW ALL CHARGES

The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II in company of about prominent Yoruba traditional Rulers in Ekiti state was at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) last night to appeal to the founder of the university Aare Afe Babalola to forgive the human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi and withdraw the ongoing criminal case instituted against him.

Ooni Ogunwusi arrived Ado Ekiti at about 10:08pm last night, Sunday 26th of January , 2025 into the waiting hands of Aare Afe Babalola himself accompanied by the Vice Chancellor Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, Bursar Pastor Joseph Modupe Babalola, The school PRO, Deans of various faculties at the university and the legal team of Afe Babalola handling Farotimi's criminal case.

The Vice chancellor in her welcome speech at the meeting acknowledged Ooni's love for the school's founder and the school itself which she described as one of the leading universities in Africa.

Moses Olafare who is the director of media and public affairs to Ooni issued press statement and made available to journalists says the meeting which lasted till 12:30am of today (Monday), was held behind close door between Afe Babalola and the Ooni accompanied by Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu, Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti who doubles as Chairman, Ekiti Council Of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro that having watched the scenarios surrounding the criminal case instituted against Dele Farotimi with rapt attention, it has become very imperative to apply Alternative Dispute Resolution method which Yoruba race was known for in the past because it's a case between father and son.

Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi according to the statement appealed to Aare Afe Babalola. "We have come today to appeal to Aare Babalola to forgive his son; Dele Farotimi and what we want from him is to withdraw the criminal charges against Farotimi today". 

"Aare Afe Babalola, you are an elderstateman, you have seen it all, you are one of the iconic voices in this country, a great man per excellence, you are a rare breed who has excelled in everything you have touched in this life, a very God fearing elderstateman, above all, you are one of the proponents of the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi which has been your strongest value that you hold in our country. This what we are using to bring down the tempo in what has happened between you and your son Dele Farotimi. We have been very proud of you as a great Yoruba elderstateman. You have done great things for this race and Nigeria such that your name can never be forgotten." Ooni said

"We've all come together as traditional Rulers to discuss with you on this issue and this gentleman Dele Farotimi is your son and you must forgive him and withdraw the criminal charges against him. As a father, you have soft sons and you have tough sons, Dele Farotimi is a tough son of yours. You have indeed made a point that your name can not be be messed with".

Afe Babalola in his response to the request made by the Ooni and the traditional Rulers, did not hesitate to accept the request saying he grew up as a child to understand such interventions by the traditional rulers. He declared he had not only forgiven Dele Farotimi but also will instruct his lawyers to withdraw the criminal charges against him with immediate effect, because of the honour for the Ooni and the other Obas. 

"Today is a very important day for me, I'm a Yoruba man and I'm very proud to be one. Ewi of Ado has come here to meet me on this matter, former president Obasanjo has intervened, same with Bishop Matthew Kukah and a host of other prominent Nigerians to ask for the exact thing you have come to ask for this evening., my answer to them has been "NO" but today my answer is "YES". Afe Babalola said

He continue, saying, "your coming is unquantifiable in terms of money, who Am I? When the colonialists came here in 17th century or thereabouts, they found as a fact that Yoruba land was a highly organised society with an advanced systems of government with each town headed by an Oba who was regarded as a replica of God on earth. His words were commands."

Aare Babalola concluded his response with a an Adage in Yoruba saying, "those who change the world for the better do not wait to respond to criticisms. 

He said he had listened to the Ooni's advice and he certainly didn't want to be a meadow by the riverside which disobeys the flood.

"For someone to allege me that I have won my cases through corruption, it's an attempt to defame me, that was why I rejected all appeals earlier made to me. But when I heard that Ooni was coming, I knew I'm in a fix today. "Nkan de o". There is nothing I'm going to gain from his(Dele) imprisonment and there's nothing I want from the so called damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, I'm rather concerned on managing the one I have already. Dele Farotimi is hereby forgiven. On this occasion, I say "YES". He concluded.

Published by 

Tope Eluyefa 

TINUBU, MAKINDE URGED TO UPGRADE AND COMPLETION OF ABANDON FACILITIES AT NIGERIA NAVY SCHOOL OGBOMOSO

Nigeria Navy Secondary School ( NNSS) , Ogbomoso established in the year 2012 to educate, trained and prepared Nigerian leaders of today , tomorrow is no doubt a pride of Ogbomoso land also to Oyo State as a whole and Yorubaland.

The school is on a very large expanse of hectares of land with different academic departments and structures aimed to aide academics and training.

Journalist diary on the school revealed that a lot of abandoned projects need to be completed while other standing structures need rehabilitation in other to make it the real pride of the west  aimed to be.

 Nigerian Navy Secondary School Ogbomoso Commander , Commandant Evelyn  Egwurube, revealed that since the establishment of the school they  have many abandoned projects that  are directly meant for education impact on the students. Projects like library building, Assembly Hall which can also serve as events hall for various social event in the school, Administrative building, internal road networks and dining hall structure with different departments of a world class dining hall of a boarding school while the school bus and ambulance meant for the school health facility is in pitiful condition.

NNSS Ogbomoso Commandant, Evelyn explained that if the library structure is completed with E-library she is confident of securing of securing CBT accredited centre for the college which will be useful for students of the college writing JAMB and also for external students.

Commander Egwurube revealed how her road blocks initiative mounted on the Iresa Apa way have helped the community on the security challenges facing by people plying the road,that are in moving safely due to deployment of the personnel for protection of lives and property of the school and the host community.

Commandant Evelyn revealed several attempts have been made to governments especially the hosting State under Governor Seyi Makinde to come to their aide also because the school employs qualified teachers that are indigenes of the state, other domestic staffs are also from hosting communities, she said.

She also called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to upgrade the facilities of the Navy Secondary School, Ogbomoso that the available abandoned structures of over a decade now only need rehabilitations.

On the academic performance ,the school  Commandant, Commander Evelyn Egwurube, said, “ my experience here is interesting and challenging. When I resumed here in January 2024, I took the students through what we call Commandant’s test to widen their knowledge and prepare them for their final examination, and it paid off as the students adjusted and performed credibly well. We conduct the exams every week to prepare them for their WAEC and NECO.”

“The school has a good record of academic excellence, and I believe the students who  have been graduating are doing great in different higher learning institutions."

Honouring Heroes past: NNSS Ogbomoso Commandant, Commander EO Egwurube Salutes Fallen Heroes

Yesterday marked the armed forces remembrance Day celebration which is an annual event organised by the state government to commemorate the country’s fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for the sake of humanity during the first and second World Wars, the Nigerian civil War, Peace Support Operations around the world, as well as various Internal Security Operations.

In commemoration of the end of the Nigerian civil war which occurred on 15th January, the date was chosen to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria.

The event which have the attendance of Governor of the State, Seyi Makinde, Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Service chiefs, Commandant Egwurube Evelyn of Nigeria Navy School, Ogbomoso.

The outstanding Navy Commandant of Oyo State Navy school, Ogbomoso, Officer Egwurube Evelyn commends Governo Makinde for his efforts in fortifying the security architecture of the state.

The mood at the iconic Arcade in front of Governor's Lodge, Agodi GRA, Ibadan was sombre and reflective on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, as the nation stood still to honour the unmatched patriotism and sacrifices of fallen heroes on the occasion of this year Armed Forces’ Remembrance Day on Wednesday. 

While speaking on the significance of the Armed forces remembrance day, Evelyn says, Nigeria is 64 years old — after independence — but behind the continued existence of the nation are the sacrifices of hundreds, even thousands of gallant troops who paid the supreme price in defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. Therefore it is imperative we acknowledged their efforts ".

OONI CELEBRATES THE ALAAFIN-ELECT, LAUDS KINGMAKERS GOVERNMENT, ROYAL FAMILIES

The House of Oduduwa, under the leadership of Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, congratulates the Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade, on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo Kingdom. This monumental decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the great people of Oyo.

In a release signed by Ooni's Director of media and public affairs, Moses Olafare, says the Ooni who doubles as Co- Chair, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN) and Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC) commends the patience displayed by the royal family, kingmakers, and the people of Oyo home and in diaspora, both at home and in the diaspora throughout this sacred process which lasted over two years, praising the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new royal era.

The release describe historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and Yoruba Cultural Preservation. Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yoruba land. This interconnected lineage emphasizes the significance of the Alaafin's throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage. The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy.

"We are confident that the Alaafin-elect will build upon the enduring legacy of his predecessors particularly the immediate past Alaafin; Late Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III who had ruled Oyo with enviable and sterling leadership quality. Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become father of all who must really all other contestants for the growth of Oyo kingdom because, you can not do it alone, you must bring everyone on board, Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn't support you, you must be magnanimous in victory. Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development. Your ascension is a testament to the resilience of our traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race".

"The House of Oduduwa calls on the sons and daughters of Oyo, from all walks of life, to rally around their new monarch and work together to uphold the glory of the kingdom. It is through collective support and collaboration that Oyo will continue to thrive and maintain its place as a cornerstone of Yoruba greatness".

Olafare said, as we celebrate this historic moment, the House of Oduduwa reiterates its commitment to fostering unity among Yoruba monarchs, preserving our shared cultural identity, and ensuring the prosperity of all Yoruba people worldwide.

Ooni however pray for the Alaafin- Elect that God should bless him with long life and to the people of ancient town of Oyo and Yorubaland.

Story by: Tope Eluyefa