Opinion: Pasuma – The face of Fuji after KWAM 1

By @pappykizzu (Mr. Fuji Science on TikTok and YouTube)

In the world of Fuji music, only a few names such as Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and General Kollington Ayinla command the level of respect that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, has earned. As a direct protégé of the legendary Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, KWAM 1 has long held the throne as the King. However, over the years, another powerful voice has risen steadily to carry the genre forward. That voice is of Wasiu Alabi Pasuma.

Pasuma, also fondly known as “Oganla” or “Mayor of Fuji,” has played a key role in modernizing Fuji music. His unique blend of traditional Fuji with elements of hip-hop and Afrobeats has brought a fresh, youthful energy to the genre. This evolution has made the music more accessible to younger audiences while still preserving its original cultural roots.

His recent appointment as the Special Traffic Mayor by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority is a significant recognition, following in the footsteps of his mentor KWAM 1, who was similarly honoured years ago as a Special Marshal by the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Since emerging in the 1990s, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has maintained consistency in his craft. He is known for his versatility, lyrical depth, and strong stage presence. His ability to adapt to changing musical trends while remaining true to the Fuji tradition is what makes him stand out. Pasuma has managed to build a bridge between the streets and the elite, becoming a household name that resonates across generations.

Beyond microphone, his impact extends into other areas of entertainment and culture. Pasuma has made appearances in Nollywood films and has engaged in philanthropic efforts, further solidifying his place as a cultural icon. He’s not just a musician, he’s a brand, a movement, and an ambassador for indigenous music and urban Nigerian culture.

Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has achieved several important milestones that continue to promote and elevate the Fuji genre. He is the first Fuji artist to be featured in a film on Amazon Prime Video. He was also the first Fuji musician to appear on a fashion runway during Africa Fashion Week Nigeria in 2018. He became the first Fuji artist to participate in a national reality TV show, Celebrity Takes 2, and the first to perform at major Afrobeats concerts, such as Olamide Live in Concert I to III.

Pasuma also holds the record for the most collaborations with artists from other music genres and was the first Fuji ambassador for an international telecommunications company, Globacom. He has been honoured with an honorary citizenship and the key to the city of Georgia in the United States. Additionally, he won Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

Let it be clear: this piece is not intended to compare Pasuma with his peers or to incite competition. It is simply a fan’s tribute — an acknowledgment of his contribution to a genre that has shaped Nigeria’s musical identity.

In the words of the great man himself, at a 2004 performance in Ajah: “L’eyin Ayinde, kò sí Olúwa ehn ní generation àsìkò yìí.”
(After Ayinde, there’s no other leader in this generation)

Whether you’re a Fuji purist or a casual fan, there’s no denying that Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has kept the fire burning. He’s not just following in the footsteps of legends — he’s carving a legacy of his own.