Kwam 1 and more thrills Lagosians at Fuji: A Opera

It was a different kind of crowd when Fuji: A Opera held its third edition of Fuji Vibrations on December 8, at Muri Okunola Park in Lagos.

Unlike what it used to be, a diverse group of distinguished guests were present to witness what has become history in the music world.

The night featured different generations of Fuji artistes serving up their distinct Fuji styles to the delight of the packed house that included Technocrats, industry titans, media moguls, tech entrepreneurs, visual artists, socialites, influencers, music journalists, thrill seekers, and Fuji music aficionados made up much of the audience.

Jide Taiwo, the host, praised Fuji music as a globally recognised genre and attributed its success to grassroots influence; he also teased the quality of the night's lineup and promised the audience a night to remember.

The Queen of Fuji, Yeye Eniba, ushered in the night with a commanding performance that captivated the audience. Her stirring vocal prowess and quick dancing feet kept the audience glued to the stage as she slowly etched a mark on everyone's hearts.

Omo Aje Wasiu, one of King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall's (KWAM1) many protégés, delivered a performance that set him apart from the many who admire his music mentor. He exudes a welcoming calm, a command of his vocal that incites and excites, and the stage presence of a fully realised performance act.

Agba Awo Fuji, a ten-year old fuji sensation held court and held his own, belting his voice and stretching his vocal cords like a pro. He won the surprise performing act Instagram poll held by the Fuji: A Opera team to choose the final act for Fuji Vibrations.

The Maze Xtreme, a masked DJ duo, served up the Fuji sound via heart-pounding Electronic Dance Music (EDM) loops and were the surprise act last year; this year, they earned their invitation by getting the guests up and dancing to familiar songs mixed with EDM for a sonic cocktail.

Others present include Sefiu Alao, also known as ‘Baba Oko’; Taye Currency; Saheed Osupa; Malaika; and SK Sensation, president of FUMAN, who ascended the stage with members of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria as they recited the FUMAN anthem.

SK Sensation, while expressing how excited the association was to collaborate with Fuji: A Opera on this edition and reassured support for future Fuji Vibrations editions. He told the audience how Fuji: A Opera came to be and spoke highly of the organisers.

Celebrity hypeman and Supa Komando ambassador, Do2tun unveiled the new one-litre Supa Komando pet bottle before introducing the Mayegun of Fuji Music, K1 De Ultimate, the night's headliner.

The evening also marked the 50th anniversary of K1 De Ultimate performing on stage. Tosin Ashafa, executive producer of Fuji: A Opera, and Bobo Omotayo, Creator & Founder of Fuji: A Opera, presented K1 De Ultimate with a 'ICON Award' and expressed gratitude to the music legend for his unwavering support for Fuji: A Opera since its inception.

Speaking at the event K1 De Ultimate said, "Fuji Vibrations served as a reminder that the Fuji genre is still shaping popular culture and truly represents the best of indigenous Nigerian music.”