Sikiru Ayinde Barrister: Biography The Man Who Created Fuji and Ruled the Sound of the Streets

Barrister: The Fuji Revolutionary Who Turned Were into a Movement

Introduction

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, widely known simply as Barrister, was the man who formally named and shaped fuji music into a recognized genre. Long before fuji became a dominant force in southwestern Nigeria and beyond, it existed as Islamic devotional chanting known as were. Barrister transformed it, modernized it, organized it, and commercialized it.

He was bold, innovative, disciplined, and highly strategic. He was also controversial, competitive, and deeply aware of his legacy. He lived through military rule, political instability, rivalry with other fuji icons, and the constant tension between tradition and modernization. He built an empire of music and influence that shaped generations of artists.

This is a full and deep biography of Barrister, from his childhood to his rise, his dominance, his rivalries, his family life, his political connections, his health struggles, and what happened before he died.

Early Life and Background

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was born on February 9 1948 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Ibadan at the time was one of the largest cities in West Africa, culturally rich and politically influential.

He was born into a Muslim family. His early upbringing was deeply rooted in Islamic practice. As a young boy, he was exposed to Quranic education and traditional Islamic chants performed during Ramadan.

These Ramadan chants were known as were music. Were was typically performed in the early hours of the morning to wake Muslims for fasting prayers. It was rhythmic, vocal driven, and percussion based.

Barrister grew up listening to these chants and eventually became actively involved in performing them. His natural vocal strength and leadership ability made him stand out among peers.

Military Experience and the Birth of Fuji

A major turning point in Barrister’s life came when he joined the Nigerian Army in the 1960s. During the Nigerian Civil War, he served in the military. The experience exposed him to discipline, structure, and national diversity.

While in the army, he continued performing were music among fellow soldiers, particularly Yoruba Muslims. He began experimenting with new rhythms and performance styles.

After leaving the army, he decided to formalize his musical vision. He rebranded were music and gave it a new name. He called it fuji.

The name fuji reportedly came from Mount Fuji in Japan, a name he found attractive and symbolic of greatness and elevation. By renaming the genre, Barrister claimed ownership of its modernization.

This was not just a name change. He expanded the instrumentation, performance structure, and commercial distribution of the music.

Rise to Prominence

In the early 1970s, Barrister began recording albums. His music quickly gained popularity across southwestern Nigeria.

He expanded the percussion section, incorporating instruments such as sakara drums, agidigbo, omele, and later modern instruments like guitars and keyboards. This innovation separated fuji from traditional were.

Barrister’s lyrical style was poetic and strategic. He praised patrons, criticized opponents subtly, and commented on social issues. He was politically aware and often aligned his music with influential figures.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Barrister had become the undisputed leader of fuji music. His stage presence was commanding. He dressed elegantly and maintained strict control over his band.

Rivalry with Ayinla Omowura

One of the defining elements of Barrister’s career was his rivalry with Ayinla Omowura.

Ayinla was bold and street rooted, while Barrister was strategic and structured. Their rivalry fueled the fuji movement.

Though Ayinla died in 1980, the competitive culture between their camps shaped the genre’s development.

Barrister continued to dominate after Ayinla’s death, further solidifying his authority.

Relationship with Kollington Ayinla

Another major rivalry emerged between Barrister and Kollington Ayinla.

Kollington was powerful and charismatic. The rivalry between the two men became legendary in Yoruba music culture.

They released songs indirectly attacking each other’s style, leadership, and claims to supremacy. Fans chose sides passionately.

Despite the tension, both artists pushed each other creatively. Their competition elevated fuji music’s popularity.

Political and Social Influence

Barrister was politically conscious. During the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and later military regimes, he aligned strategically with powerful figures.

He composed songs praising leaders and supporting political causes, particularly within southwestern Nigeria.

His influence extended beyond music. He was respected in social circles and often consulted in cultural matters.

Personal Life

Barrister was married multiple times, as culturally accepted in many Yoruba Muslim households. He fathered many children.

His family life was large and complex. While he maintained authority at home, his demanding career required constant travel and performance.

He valued discipline and loyalty. Band members often described him as strict but fair.

Musical Evolution

In the 1980s and 1990s, Barrister continued innovating. He introduced new rhythms and experimented with sound layering.

While younger fuji artists like Wasiu Ayinde Marshal later known as K1 De Ultimate emerged, Barrister remained the respected pioneer.

He insisted on maintaining cultural depth in his lyrics.

Health Challenges

In the early 2000s, Barrister’s health began to decline. He reportedly suffered from complications related to diabetes and other age related conditions.

He reduced public appearances but remained mentally active.

His final years were quieter compared to his peak decades.

Death

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister died on December 16 2010 in London after battling illness.

He was sixty two years old.

His death marked the end of an era in fuji music.

His body was returned to Nigeria, where he was buried according to Islamic rites.

Legacy

Barrister is widely recognized as the father of fuji music.

He transformed a religious chant into a commercial genre.

He built a structure that allowed future artists to thrive.

He was ambitious, competitive, visionary, and sometimes controversial.

But without Barrister, fuji music as known today would not exist.