I am usually fascinated by stories of men who tried to succeed in their chosen endeavours against all odds. Such men and women, especially those who created something out nothing, personify courage, tenacity, focus, and industry.

One of those men that walked this part of the world is Dr Sikiru Ayinde Adeyinka Balogun, aka Ayinde Barrister, who passed on to the great beyond exactly one year ago at the age of 62.

Although he was an indigene of Ibadan, he was born in Lagos in 1948. He sang for 50 years – from the age of 10 till he died. Ayinde Barrister joined the Nigerian Army and fought in the Civil War that swept through Nigeria from 1967 to 1970.

He created and laid the foundation for Fuji Music, a Yoruba type of music that originated from Were. He would later define ‘Fuji Music’ in one of his later albums.
In his lifetime, he waxed several unforgettable albums which continue to excite the lovers of his genre of music and sang on a wide range of issues. He exhibited raw talent, purpose and single-mindedness.

Some of his works are Barry Special (1983), Fuji Vibration (1985), Barry Wonder (1987), Fuji Garbage (and its sequels), Aiye, Fuji Funky, Fantasia Fuji, Barry at 40, etc. He recorded a large following among his fans in Nigeria and abroad.

Rest in peace Agbajelola Barrusati! Adieu The Fuji Creator!! Good night the Fuji Plenipotentiary!!!

RIP Ayinde Barrister.

is it a yr already? taught he died this yr?

mafolayomi:

is it a yr already? taught he died this yr?

He died on December 16, 2010.

Time flies.