Recently, one of Nigeria’s most experienced musicians, Asimiu Ajebori, the C-Fancy Fuji creator took time to visit the corporate Headquarters of PMParrot/Parrot Xtra on Ring Road, in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
During the visit, he graciously agreed to speak with our crew – OLAYINKA AGBOOLA, LANRE OLABISI, OLAWALE AWE, DARE RAJI and TIMILEHIN OLALERE. He used the opportunity to speak about his challenges, relationship with Dr Adewale Ayuba, state of the Nigerian music industry…Excerpts:
Asimiu Ajebori is from Ogun State?
Yes o! I am an indigene of Ogun state precisely Ipara Remo.
But we have not been hearing much from you…why sir?
I am still available in the music industry even though I was out of the country for a while.
Can you actually tell us how you found yourself playing music?
My parents were musicians, my father played Apala while my mother played waka music. The gene of music runs through in my family and I inherited my style of music from them.
Oh, that is good. So, what is the latest news from your side…Any new production?
For five years, I did not release an album, the album I released in London was titled ‘Champion’ while my latest album in Nigeria is called ‘Sorosoke’ (Speak Aloud).
Many people, for several years refered to you as a musician who copied Bonsue fuji act, Dr Adewale Ayuba…Do you still get this kind of feedback?
My style of music is different from his own though people have often testified that our styles are much related. I do not play like Ayuba and it is not very easy to mimic a musician.
What is your real-life relationship with Adewale Ayuba?
I and Ayuba are from the same Local government area. You see, I did not have any kind of contact with him while I was putting my band together. It was when I released an album that people thought it was Ayuba who sang the song that people started making moves for us to know one another.
As a matter of fact, when he heard the music, he was surprised too.
It was Kayode Akintemi, a friend who linked me up with Ayuba and he warned me not to disrespect him or allow people to cause disaffection between us.
I will say it here that we are close enough today. The other time he was traveling out of Nigeria, the two shows that he ought to perform were given to me. I have great respect for him, he is my leader in the music industry and he has been there before me.
So, our people should forget all kinds of rumours making the rounds. Dr Ayuba and I are still close. He is my elder in the industry though.
How do you get inspiration for your music?
Sometimes, it comes while driving or sleeping. Immediately I receive any inspiration, I jot or record it, and from there I improve on it afterwards. Till date, I have released 12 full albums. My style of music is inborn.
Can you talk about some of the challenges you have faced in the music industry?
Life is full of challenges itself. At a time in my career, my colleagues from Remo ganged up and accused me of not attending meetings in Sagamu which brought setbacks to my music career. Then I lived at Ojota in Lagos, and traveling to Sagamu every Wednesday was a problem for me and because of inability to attend the meeting, anytime I staged a concert my musical instrument would be carted away. This prompted some of my fans and admirers to inform me to settle with them. Till today, out of the 57 members then, I remain the only member still active in the music industry. All the glory to God.
Who will you say is your role model in the music industry?
Late Alhaji (Dr) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is my role model in the music industry. I loved playing his music, and it was his song that gave me so much inspiration. I sang his music at the early stage of my career and it attracted a lot of admirers to my house. This singular act attracted a lot of audience to my father’s house and he was unaware of the happenings. There was a time fan overwhelmed me during a musical outing and I ran home. I was so much scolded by my father. It took the intervention of my uncle to persuade me to go back and perform at the event.
How can the government assist your kind of business as a musician?
There are many ways the government can assist us- first by helping us to tackle piracy because it has eaten deep into the music industry and by giving us royalty fund to promote our music. An average Nigerian loves listening to music for it gives them joy. I appeal to the government to give us proper attention and recognition.
What advice do you have for the Nigerian youths?
I will counsel the youths to desist from consumption of hard drugs because it can cause a lot of damage to their future and it has adverse effects on their health. Many youths are in the rehabilitation centres undergoing rehabilitation. I will also counsel parents to monitor the activities of their children and the types of friends they walk with.
What should your fans expect from you and what message do you have for them?
I want to inform my numerous fans that I have spoken loud in my latest album, ‘Sorosoke’. They should ensure that they embrace and buy and also buy for loved ones. Sorosoke is my own way of communicating with Nigerian youths. I want to assure them that Nigeria will rise again. I am optimistic and passionate about our country, Nigeria, for it shall be well with this country. I implore them not to give up on our dear nation.
