By: AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo
The moment I thought writing about this very particular topic two things came into my mind.Firstly,what would my audience say if I write about a Fuji Musician?.Secondly, of what significance this piece will be to the people?
I will provide answers to the two points as I go along in this discourse.Personally, I’m a fan of Fuji music, especially that of late Fuji maestro Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.In fact, whenever I’m with my friends I always pray that Allah should not ask me on the day of resurrection based on the number of his music in my memory (light jokes)
Pasuma lost his dear mother,Alhaja Khadijat Odetola recently , but the activities taking place at his residence also prompted me to come up with this piece.No doubt,he is a prolific Fuji Musician, humble and very classic.
An average Yoruba speaking muslim is a fan of Fuji music, because according to late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister “were “during Sahur (Sahri) in the month of Ramadan metamorphosed into Fuji music.Were is a situation where group of men singing and drumming during the sahur to wake Muslims in order to prepare and take their meals (Sahri)
It is a reality whatever Sikiru Ayinde Barrister would have said about Fuji music.Many academics have established that late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister actually named what is call today as Fuji music.That is not my area of interest, but it is a public knowledge that he is the father of Fuji music. To substantiate this,Saheed Osupa said recently that Sikiru Ayinde Barrister remains the Fuji template
To answer the first question, Fuji music has its connection and root during Ramadan hence I will like to write about it.The significance of the piece is that many will understand Pasuma’s culture of consistency
As Pasuma’s receives a lot of leading Islamic scholars on condolence visit, that further authenticates his usual romance and respect for them.In fact,he always mention his Alfas whenever he sings.A friend told me that normally they would go and visit him because is a fuji superstar.But I disagree with him on the basis that Pasuma has always been associating with Islamic scholars,most especially the ones from Ilorin and beyond.That is a pointer that he is a jolly good fellow.Dont tell me I’m writing about Pasuma because is from Kwara state.If you say so, you may not be closer to the truth .Iam a trained journalist so I write about anything that interests me .
I come from Southern most Northern Emirate, which is Ilorin.Therefore ,it is normal I enjoy Yoruba music even though I’m a Fulani man.
Alabi has a great love for his mother, hardly he would sing without praising his mother and that is very consistent.Because her name is Khadija so he always refer to his mother as the favourite of prophet Muhammad(pbuh). Equally, he always refer to himself as the son of favourite of prophet Muhammad (Omo Iyawo Ananbi).His consistency is worthy of emulation.He is not only praising his mother but also taking good care of her by building a befitting house for her.So if your parents are still alive take care of them by showing them love constantly, you will realise that more doors of favour will open for you and you will be rewarded in bountiful by the Amighty Allah.In other word, you will go far in life,if you take care of your parents.
Those who denigrate their parents will live to regret it, because our parents have sacrificed a lot to raise many of us so we must pay them back with adequate care.Apart from that, we must not treat our parents unfairly,it is a command from the holy Quran.
More importantly, Pasuma drew my attention last year ,when he asked question from Islamic scholars about the fate of fuji musicians in Islam, whether they’re going to hell fire?.That question alone signifies that he is a muslim with conscience and wanted to do better as a believer.No one is a saint including Pasuma, myself and you.I will not want to go into the details of the answers provided that day, because it requires sound knowledge of Islam.
Finally,Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma should understand that he has to continue with prayers and sadaqa for his mother.Wherever the people do not have water to drink,he should go and provide it on behalf of her.He should as well cater for the orphans and their education with the intention that all the rewards should go to his mother.He should be magnanimous to his Neighbours who are living below him.I suggest he establishes Omo Iyawo Ananbi Foundation where the less privileged challenges will be tackled within his resources.Above all,he should continue providing succour for humanity.
May Allah forgive us our sins,grant us concession here and in the here -after.May He grant our deceased parents aljannah firdaus and bless those who are alive.
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