Fuji stands as a revered Yoruba music genre, stemming from the vibrant wéré music, also referred to as ajísari, meaning “waking up for sari.” Originating as a means to awaken Muslims during the early hours of Ramadan fasting, it has evolved into a cherished musical tradition.
Since the inception of the nation, countless Nigerians have left an indelible mark on the global stage, showcasing their talents across various fields.
Fuji music, with its vibrant rhythms and rich cultural heritage, has undoubtedly also produced some of Nigeria’s most successful and wealthiest musicians.
Below are the top richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria. From their humble beginnings to their rise to prominence, the financial success and entrepreneurial ventures of these musical icons will not be left behind,
K1 De Ultimate – N800 million
Pasuma Wonder – N555 Million
Abass Akande Obesere – N500 Million
Saheed Osupa – N450 million
Sule Alao Malaika – N400 million
Adewale Ayuba – N400 Million
Sefiu Alao – N350 million
Muri Thunder – N200 Million
Remi Aluko – N100 Million
Taye Currency – N85 million
1. K1 De Ultimate – N800 million
King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, ‘K1 de Ultimate’ and ‘Ayinde Marshall’, was born in Agawaru, in Lagos State. He stands as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the world of Fuji music. With a career spanning decades, KWAM 1 has amassed a fortune through his prolific music releases, sold-out concerts, and savvy business ventures.
From owning record labels to investing in real estate, his financial acumen has solidified his status as a titan of the Nigerian music industry. He has a net worth of N800 million.
K1 De Ultimate became interested in music when he was eight years old and by the time he was 15, he had won various local musical competitions. He later became a member of Fuji legend Ayinde Barrister’s band, the Supreme Fuji Commanders from 1975 to 1978 after previously serving under him as an instrument packer. He also adopted the name of Ayinde into his name after seeking the permission and blessing of his master Ayinde Barrister.
In 1980, he released his first album, Iba, which included the exclusive track Abode Mecca. and thereafter, his most successful album Talazo ’84 in 1984.
He has released over 50 albums and performed several tours around the world prominently in North America and Europe, earning him several awards for his music.
K1 de Ultimate is known for his love for luxury cars and has a collection of high-end vehicles, including Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. He also owns several properties, including multi-million Naira mansions in his hometown of Ijebu and Lagos.
2. ALABI Pasuma – N555 Million
Wasiu Alabi Ajibola, popularly known by his stage name, ‘Pasuma’, ‘Pasuma Jibola’, ‘Pasuma Wonder’, was born 27th November 1967, in Mushin.
His early years were spent in Mushin, Lagos state, where he was single-handedly raised by his mother, Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola, popularly known as Iyawo Anobi. Pasuma often acknowledges his mother as his greatest support system in his musical journey.
As one of the most sought-after Fuji musicians, Pasuma Wonder has not only achieved immense wealth through his music but has also diversified his income streams through endorsements, acting, and real estate investments.
Pasuma is undoubtedly the most versatile Fuji musician in Nigeria. He has worked with fellow Fuji musicians and modern musicians and has fused several of his sounds with modern, Afro-pop beats
Some of his songs are Our Lagos (ft. Patoranking), Ife (ft. Tiwa Savage), ogede ti pon, Oganla (ft. Olamide & Lil Kesh) and Amen (ft. Davido). Pasuma Wonder’s net worth is estimated at N555 million.
3. Abass Akande Obesere – N500 Million
Abass Akande Obesere, also called “Omo Rapala,”is a native of Ibadan, Oyo state, and he started from modest beginnings but has become one of Nigeria’s richest Fuji musicians. His unique style and captivating shows have won him a large following and significant wealth.
Besides music, Obesere has expanded into hospitality and agriculture, broadening his sources of income and securing his financial position..
Born on 20th of January 1965,. Obesere forced his way into the limelight through his “vulgar” songs, which openly touch on issues that are considered taboo in the conservative Yoruba community.
Omo Rapala Obesere is the third richest Fuji Musician in Nigeria. Following other successful musicians such as Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Obesere has also taken his own Fuji music brand worldwide. After payment disputes, he was initially signed with Sony Music but moved onto other labels.
He, then, signed with Mayors Ville Entertainment, an artist management firm in Lagos, Nigeria. His singles include Mr. Teacher, Ileke Idi, Omo iku, Mr. Teacher Part II and Baba Baba Tide.
He is also known for his appearance and performance during the coronation of Olubadan in Ibadan. Besides being an artist and a businessman, Obesere is a business tycoon with several business establishments to his name and has an estimated net worth of N500 million.
4. Saheed Osupa – N450 million
Saheed Osupa, commonly known as the “King of Music” or “Saridon P,” has established a distinctive presence in the Fuji music arena through his fusion of traditional rhythms with modern style.
Osupa was born in the Mosafejo area of Ajegunle, Lagos State but grew up as a child in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital.
Saheed Osupa started music professionally as a teenager in 1983 as a fuji artiste. He released his first album titled Fuji Fa Disco and has since then released over 40 studio albums including a 4-in-1 studio album titled Mr. Music.
Saheed Osupa has gained attention in the Fuji industry due to his numerous conflicts with other Fuji musicians, particularly Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde. His rivalry with Pasuma persisted for many years, resulting in the release of approximately 10 successful albums addressing these disputes.
He is presently a graduate from the Department of Political Science of the University of Ibadan (UI) with Second class upper honor.
Besides his music, Saheed Osupa has used his popularity to explore various business fields like hospitality, fashion, and film production. His considerable net worth mirrors his diverse skills and smart investments, making him a significant figure in both music and business.
Saheed Osupa holds the fourth position among the top 10 wealthiest Fuji musicians in Nigeria. His father, Moshood Ajiwere Layeye, was a Wéré music artist and a senior relative of the Fuji musician Ayinde Barrister. Saheed Osupa is valued with an estimated net worth of N450 million,
5. Sule Alao Malaika – N400 million
Sule Alao Malaika, commonly known as ‘Malaika’, is a Nigerian Fuji musician who was born in Lagos State but grew up in Ogun State, Nigeria. He was born on February 15th, 1973.
Malaika embarked on his music journey as early as 1983 and has since steadily risen to prominence. He started playing and performing music from an early age in a Quranic school in Lagos, before forming his first Fuji band in 1983.
Today, he stands as one of Nigeria’s and the world’s most prominent Fuji musicians. Through album sales, performances, and tours both within and outside Nigeria, Malaika has garnered substantial earnings.
With an estimated net worth of N400 million, Malaika ranks among Nigeria’s top Fuji musicians. His musical prowess has taken him to the United States of America, where he performed across approximately 15 states during November 1997. Upon his return to Nigeria, he brought back with him multi-million naira musical equipment.
6. Adewale Ayuba – N400 Million
Adewale Ayuba, a renowned Fuji musician also known as Mr. Johnson, secures the fifth position among Nigeria’s wealthiest Fuji musicians in 2023, boasting an estimated net worth of N400 million. He began his musical journey at the age of eight, participating in local musical competitions and festivals in Ogun State.
Born on 6th May 1966 in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, He pursued Fuji music after his secondary school education at Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, Ogun State.
Ayuba embarked on his professional music journey by releasing his debut album, “Ibere” (Beginning), at the age of 17. The album’s commercial success propelled him rapidly into the forefront of the Fuji music scene, leading to a record deal with Sony Music (Nigerian) for subsequent album releases.
Though, Ayuba converted to Christianity, he never allowed his new faith to deter him from his passion for Fuji music
His 1991 album, “Bubble,” catapulted Ayuba to international acclaim. It marked the first instance in Fuji music history where an album gained widespread recognition, dominating music charts for six consecutive months and garnering multiple awards at the Nigerian Music Awards (NMA). Ayuba clinched prestigious titles such as Artiste of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Fuji Album of the Year—a total of four awards.
7. Sefiu Alao – N350 million
Sefiu Alao Adekunle, commonly referred to as Sefiu Alao, is a well-known Fuji musician admired by a large fan base in Ogun State. He is recognized as a highly skilled Fuji artist and stands among the top performers in Nigeria.
Sefiu often identifies himself as “Omo Oko,” which translates to ‘village boy,’ emphasizing his belief that his wealth and success will never overshadow his roots or humble origins. Sefiu Alao Adekunle ranks as the seventh wealthiest Fuji musician in Nigeria, boasting an estimated net worth of N350 million.Shefiu released his first album Kandoso in the early 90s and has since then released over 27 albums including Ojumo’re, the album that shut him into stardom. With his undisputable discography, Shefiu has taken his place as one of the biggest Fuji stars on the planet.
Shefiu released his first album Kandoso in the early 90s and has since then released over 27 albums including Ojumo’re, the album that shut him into stardom. With his undisputable discography, Shefiu has taken his place as one of the biggest Fuji stars on the planet.
8. Muri Thunder – N200 Million
Muri Thunder is from a humble background and lived in the ghetto areas of Lagos state for a long time. Muri Thunder enjoys massive fan attention across the South West and the Fuji industry and has an estimated net worth of N200 million.
Born, Muritala Ademola Salaudeen, he is one of the prominent Fuji artists that emerged in the 2000s and is notable for his unwavering consistency.
Muri Thunder started his music career at the age of 7, singing Islamic songs in his Arabic school. He however diverted into Fuji music after a few years and has released two albums, which attained relative commercial success pushing him into prominence
Muri has since then released 21 other projects, including numerous albums and EPs. His most notable works include Gugugudu (2004), Inspiration (2007), Malay Experience (2017) and Mr Fuji (2017).
