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.