Akeem Olaide Daramola AKA Asiwaju is the CEO of Al-Akeem Asiwaju Promotion, a Fuji Musical Promotion organization, which organizes fuji shows. On May 29th. 2016, the organization staged a show at the Beverly International Event Centre Car Park in New Garage area of Bariga, Lagos. The event tagged Gbera show featured Remi Aluko, a popular fuji musician, Suleimon Atanda, Chairman, Fuji Music Association of Nigeria, FUMAN, Shomolu-Bariga branch and other aspiring fuji artistes in Shomolu-Bariga.
Now, the organization is set to stage another fuji show tagged Dapada (The Return). CommuneMagazine corned the ever busy Master of fuji promotion, at the Iya Corner Restaurant in the New Garage Area and had a short discussion on his upcoming show. He also discussed his plan for fuji music in Shomolu-Bariga, the challenges he faces with his last show and why he is a core Shomolu-Bariga person. Enjoy it;
What is DAPADA show all about and why is the show called Dapada (The Return)?
The first show which was Gbera was not as I planned it because the Star of the day, Remi Aluko did not get to entertain the audience as much as necessary due to a faulty instrument, which made it impossible for him to play to the satisfaction of the fans. After that show, I received series of calls asking that we bring back the artistes, Remi Aluko. So, we don’t have much choose than to yield to the people's demand for a returned play by Remi Aluko. And even, the artiste is eager to come back and finished his unfinished business. It is because we are bringing him back that is why we tagged the show Dapada (The Return of Remi Aluko).
What have you put in place to prevent the reoccurrence of what happened last time?
Firstly, we are noting getting our instrument from the same source. We are getting it this time from another company that understand the important of a show and the stars coming.
How did you get into fuji promotion?
Actually, I love fuji music very much. I also notice Shomolu-Bariga, where are grew up also loves music and anything entertainment. And, I know that music especially fuji music can bring peace and harmony to the community. That is why I went decided to go into fuji promotion, so that I can bring in different artistes to foster peace in the community. I know how music can change people for good. If we start bringing in different artistes, being a fan of the same artiste can encourage mutual respect and understanding between warring streets and groups.
How long have you been in the business of promoting fuji music?
It’s been about three years now, Gbera is my first show in Shomolu-Bariga area. For the past three years, I have staged shows in Ibadan, Ijebu and Coutonu. Though, I have received several calls from people in Ghana, I have not staged a show there. Many residents of Bariga that attended my shows pressurized me to stage a show in Shomolu-Bariga. So, I planned to stage about five more shows this year for Shomolu-Bariga communities.
Before you went into fuji promotion, what were you doing?
I am a businessman. I am a clearing and forwarding agent and I bring in cars to sell.
Which school did you attend?
I had my National Diploma from Kwara state polytechnic in 1991-1992. My secondary education was at Ajayi Crowder Memorial School, Bariga. I attended Temple Primary School, Alubarika, Bariga. You can see that I am a core Bariga Boy, born and brought up in Bariga.
How is your organization helping upcoming fuji artistes
As at now, we only showcase them in our shows. We gave them ample opportunity to display their talents. When we have shows, the upcoming artistes are given about five slots to perform before we will call in the popular stars of the show. We featured more upcoming artistes in our shows, we do this to promote and encourage them. Not only that, we provide them with connection in the fuji music world.
Do you sign fuji artistes?
Not yet but it is part of our organization’s plan for 2017. We have a lot of fuji artistes not only in Lagos state but everywhere.
After this show, Dapada what should Shomolu-Bariga communities expect from your stable?
After this show, the people of Shomolu-Bariga should be ready for Sule Alao Maliaka early November 2016 at most. St. Janet and Obesere too will visit while 2016 will close down in December with Alabi Pasoma.
What challenges do you have with security?
The last show was peaceful. The effort of the Nigeria police to curbed street gangs’ fights and cult clashes is paying off. We notified the necessary security outfit about the show, so there was more than adequate security because we also made arrangement for more security. The relentless effort of the police to curb crime in Shomolu-Bariga will grow the entertainment potential of the community.
By: Ola Pat
