Showkey, I’ve been tagged, referred to as upon, and urged to talk up—individuals take into account me a promoter and guardian of Fuji’s spirit. In gentle of your latest interview on Agbaletu, it’s time I supplied frank counsel as one who has watched, nurtured, and formed Fuji tradition.
You are the son of Late Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, the founding architect of Fuji music—an origin story rooted in Nigeria and nurtured on residence soil. You inherited not simply your father’s voice, however his model, identify, and a deep viewers of loyal followers. Yet, you selected to relocate to the United States. That resolution signaled a distancing from each the trade and the heritage you had been entrusted with.
Barry Showkey, I want to emphasize one thing private and important. You know your true father—search his blessing, and by no means deny his existence. If Barrister was not your organic father, then it’s best to honor the person who’s your actual father, introduce him to the world and by no means really feel ashamed of his position in your life. Barrister could have fronted you to achieve recognition, however your organic father—Yekini—deserves acknowledgment and respect in your story.
From your base in America, you will have critiqued the Fuji scene at residence—labeling it stagnant, faulting lively artists for failing the style. You responded strongly to K1’s declare that the identify “Fuji” predated your father, calling it a deliberate try to disrespect him and disrupt historical past. But the tough fact is: the individuals working tirelessly in Nigeria aren’t your enemies—they’re those who stayed behind to hold the torch.
Criticism from overseas feels simpler when stakes are decrease. If you actually believed in Fuji music, you’d not have left the nation the place it was born. Fuji thrives by way of presence—in rehearsals, in festivals, in grassroots engagement. When you departed, a spot was created, and others stepped in—to not overshadow you, however to maintain the legacy alive.
Your return single, “RoboRobo,” launched in May 2025, alerts intent and dedication. That vitality is your strongest asset now. But energy with out humility can construct partitions as an alternative of bridges. Instead of framing these on the frontlines as uninspired or reductive, see them as collaborators in a mission past anyone particular person. Remastered tributes, mixed works, shared platforms—these are the work that lifts Fuji ahead.
You are the bridge between diaspora and homegrown Fuji. Your attain is world. But affect—lasting affect—calls for bodily presence, mutual respect, and real partnership. Start by embracing the elders. Approach them not as rivals, however as custodians and potential allies in a shared legacy.
Make no mistake: your selections formed your path. No one pressured your relocation. The model was given. The fan base was legacy. What wasn’t leveraged then can nonetheless be seized now. Owning your selections—with out blame—is step one towards rebuilding.
So right here is the guts of my message: humility over delight, collaboration over battle. The trade isn’t ready to dam you—it’s ready to your return in unity. Choose that path. Reconnect, study, and construct collectively. The Fuji neighborhood is prepared. This season of renewal can grow to be your strongest legacy chapter.
With respect and perception in Fuji’s future,
