Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, MFR, was a musical genius who found expressing himself through song more natural than speaking. Throughout his life, he explored various musical styles, a journey that led him to pioneer what we now know as Fuji music.
More than a decade after his passing, his music continues to captivate listeners, with millions still yearning for his timeless compositions. Despite passing away at the age of 62, Barrister's death felt like a great loss to the music world, as his talent was irreplaceable. His songs remain cherished, cutting across generations.
Born on February 9, 1948, in the Salawe compound of Lagos Island, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was the fifth of six children. His early interest in music was no coincidence, as his father, Alamu Salawu, despite being a butcher by trade, was also a part-time singer. Alamu's musical endeavors in Ibadan undoubtedly influenced Barrister’s attraction to music from a young age. However, Barrister's biggest inspiration came from S. Aka Baba Oni Wahidi, a renowned Sakara musician. As a child, Barrister was known for singing Wahidi's songs from start to finish, fueling his deep connection to music.
In 1958, when Barrister was just 10 years old, his father passed away, leaving his mother to care for six children alone. That same year, Barrister joined the Muraino Ajao Ajisari group in Mushin. Due to his Quranic recitation skills and clear, youthful voice, he quickly became the group leader, often winning competitions.
To support his mother, Barrister took on various odd jobs, working as a deputy bus conductor, a motor boy with the Nigerian Brewery, and even in a bakery. He endured these hardships while attending Muslim Mission School and Mainland Model School in Mushin. A Ghanaian woman named Mama Sheri sponsored his education until both Nigeria and Ghana enforced deportation orders, separating them. She urged him to follow her to Ghana, but Barrister chose to stay in Nigeria.
In 1968, during the Nigerian Civil War, Barrister joined the Nigerian Army, influenced by his friends Ayinla Kollington and Mojidi Mayabikan, who were already soldiers. He served at the war front and retired in 1976 as a sergeant, finally dedicating himself to his music career under the encouragement of Ebenezer Obey, a mentor who played a significant role in Barrister's life.
Even while in the military, Barrister never stopped creating music, releasing albums while still on duty. He had to compete with the established greats of Nigerian music at the time, such as Haruna Ishola, Yusufu Olatunji, and Sunny Ade. However, Barrister was undeterred and focused on carving out his own space in the industry. In the early '70s, a near-tragic moment led to a turning point in his life when he survived a suicide attempt. Fortunately, Alhaji Muniru Gbadamosi, who witnessed the incident, took him under his wing and became a father figure to him, even sponsoring his first pilgrimage to Mecca in 1972. Barrister honored Gbadamosi in his "Suru" album, acknowledging the man’s impact on his life.
In 1974, a serious accusation falsely linked Barrister to the stabbing of an Egungun devotee, but he was eventually proven innocent. This experience inspired his 1975 album Orimi Ewo Ni Nse, which significantly boosted his popularity. Over his career, Barrister recorded more than 120 albums, with many, like the Fuji Gabage series, becoming major hits. His music covered a wide range of topics and offered insights into many aspects of life and society.
Barrister always showed respect to the musicians who preceded him, often paying tribute to them. For example, in his 1985 hit song "Fertiliser," he honored senior Ajisari singers who had previously been underappreciated.
Unfortunately, the constant demands of his career began to affect his health. Yet, he remained determined to satisfy his fans, continuing to perform despite his illness. His last album hinted at the physical struggles he was facing. After his final performance for a radio broadcaster in Ibadan, it became clear that his health was deteriorating.
Despite his humble beginnings, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister rose to become one of Nigeria's most revered musicians, earning numerous chieftaincy titles and awards. In 1986, he received an honorary doctorate from City University in Los Angeles and was named an honorary citizen of Rhode Island in the United States. His contributions to Nigerian music were so impactful that, in 1999, he was named one of the 100 most influential Nigerians by the Nigerian Millennium publication. In 2006, the Nigerian government honored him with the national title of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the country’s music industry.
Barrister passed away in London on December 16, 2010. His remains were brought back to Nigeria and interred at his home in Fuji Chambers, Isolo, Lagos. Many Nigerian artists have drawn inspiration from his work, not only for his creation of the Fuji genre but also for his unwavering dedication to his passion.
May he continue to rest in peace.
Sikiru Ayinde Barrister released numerous albums throughout his career, solidifying his legacy as the creator of Fuji music. Here are 10 of his top albums and what made each of them special:
1. Orin Olanrewaju (1972)
Significance: This album was one of Barrister’s early releases and marked the beginning of his journey into stardom. It showcased his ability to blend traditional Yoruba drumming styles with Islamic prayer melodies, which later became the foundation for Fuji music.
2. Orimi Ewo Ni Nse (1975)
Significance: This album was pivotal for Barrister as it brought him into the limelight after a difficult period where he was falsely accused of a crime. The emotional depth in his voice and lyrics resonated deeply with his audience, establishing him as a powerful storyteller.
3. Fuji Garbage (1980)
Significance: A standout in Barrister’s discography, Fuji Garbage helped to cement the Fuji genre’s dominance in Nigeria. The album's infectious rhythm and Barrister’s commentary on social and political issues gained it massive popularity, and it became one of his best-selling works.
4. Iwa (1982)
Significance: Iwa is highly regarded for its philosophical depth, exploring themes of morality, human character, and behavior. Barrister’s lyrical dexterity shone through, making the album resonate across various age groups and social classes in Nigeria.
5. Fertiliser (1985)
Significance: This album is special because Barrister used it to pay tribute to senior Ajisari singers who laid the groundwork for the type of music he was creating. By honoring his predecessors, Barrister strengthened his bond with the older generation of musicians and their audiences.
6. Suru (1983)
Significance: Suru was both a personal and philosophical album where Barrister reflected on patience (the Yoruba meaning of "Suru"). He also used the album to honor Alhaji Muniru Gbadamosi, who had played an important role in his life. The personal touch made it one of Barrister’s most cherished works.
7. American Special (1986)
Significance: American Special is famous for highlighting Barrister’s international recognition. He speaks of his experiences in the United States and being honored as an honorary citizen of Rhode Island. The album celebrated his success beyond Nigeria, adding to his global appeal.
8. Fuji Vibration (1981)
Significance: With Fuji Vibration, Barrister demonstrated the versatility of Fuji music, blending it with elements of jazz, soul, and Afrobeat. This album was significant in showing that Fuji could evolve and adapt, helping it grow in popularity beyond its traditional audience.
9. Reality (1994)
Significance: Reality was a deeply introspective album in which Barrister delved into topics like life’s challenges, destiny, and faith. The honesty and wisdom in the lyrics made it stand out, attracting listeners who were drawn to music that went beyond mere entertainment.
10. Okiki (1992)
Significance: Okiki is celebrated for its fusion of traditional Yoruba rhythms with a more modern sound, ensuring that Barrister stayed relevant in the rapidly evolving Nigerian music scene. The album also carried a message of hope and resilience, themes that resonated widely at the time.
---
Each of these albums played a crucial role in Barrister's career, whether through social commentary, personal reflections, or musical innovation, making him one of Nigeria’s most enduring musical legends.