Tribute

Tribute to Chief (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister

Chief (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Agbajelola Barrister a.k.a Mr. Fuji, Barry Wonder is  highly talented singer who used his God-given talent not only to promote Yoruba culture across the globe, but also to sermonise on morality,

An indigene of Ibadan city, late Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was incontrovertibly one of the most talented artists to have come out of African continent. From a humble beginning, he grew up to become an icon. He was one artist who made the fullest utilisation of his God-given talent and that helped him to reach the zenith of his career. From ‘Were song’ (waking people up during Ramadan) which he transformed to ‘Fuji music’ to become the ‘Fuji’ creator, Barrister, an honorary holder of Ph.D in music and the first to carry Fuji music beyond the shores of Africa, traversed the music world like a colossus and carved a niche for himself through hardwork and commitment to the virtues of perseverance, resilience, humility and humanism. To state here that Barrister assumed a larger than life image for himself before he died is surely stating the obvious.

Barrister, no doubt, is an household name not only in Yoruba land but in the country generally. Apart from his extra-ordinary melodious voice, perhaps his ability to sing in different languages especially the three major Nigerian languages, endeared him to millions of people. For Barrister, it isn’t only singing or being able to sing that really matters, but the content of what you dish out to the public. Just like it is universally believed that it is not life that really matters but the courage one brings to life, so did this great musician believe that it is not singing that matters but the content of the music. I mean the derivable lesson from your song.

I developed interest in Barrister’s music early in life because of the depth of his work. I grew up to love his music just like I love the music of some Nigerian artists. When you are looking for good music with deep philosophical thoughts, especially Fuji genre, your best bet is the music of Agbajelola. What is it that you are looking for that cannot be found in his work? Is it melody? Is it wisdom? What of his coherently fantastic arrangement of lyric? His was not about frivolities, nonsensical compositions and pollutants that have taken over the Nigerian musical landscape these days. Barrister’s music had class. And the distinguishing feature of his work is basically sermonising on morality and humanism as he would consistently remind humanity about life after death and that there is always nemesis for whatever we do.

As if Barrister knew he would not live long, his music centred round the reward for good deeds and impending punishment for wickedness. As a Muslim who was also versed in Quranic knowledge, he was fond of quoting from the holy Quran to preach messages of love, peace, good deeds, endurance, stoicism and absolute faith in God. He constantly warned against anger and placed much emphasis on the need for peaceful co-existence among the whole humanity. He consistently warned mortals seriously against being wicked to one another as he strongly believed that heavy punishment awaits evil doers both in their graves and on the day of judgement as emphasised by the two holy books of Muslims and Christians. Though a Muslim, Barrister was not a religious bigot. He never discriminated against any religion as he strongly believed in the concept of ‘Orunmila’ (it is heaven that knows who will enter it) as highly pronounced in Yoruba traditional religion.

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was far more than an ordinary musician, he was a socio-cultural, political and economic analyst. His audience cut across all ages and all social strata. As a social commentator, Barrister would not keep quiet on societal developments especially political and he believed in speaking truth to power. For instance, he used to be interested in government budget and ask questions as to what way does that budget stand to benefit the common man. As a political analyst, Barrister warned seriously against politics of bitterness and destruction. He warned politicians to steer clear of empty promises as he stated in one of his albums that ‘‘any politician who makes any promises to the people but failed to fulfil it, such is an enemy of God and humanity.’’

While one cannot tag Barrister a military apologist, it can’t also be said that he was a democrat completely. This is so because he waxed records in support of both military rule and democracy. What seems to matter much to him is good governance irrespective of what type of government brings it. His message to successive Nigerian leaders is clear as he unequivocally and succinctly puts it in one of his disks – ‘Let there be food on the table of everybody, let there be water, bread and salt for all. The same way we gave birth to kings, is the same way slaves were born’. Thus, it seems that it is not the question of what type of government that matters to Barrister, but what does any government do to better the living condition of the people in terms of provision of basic amenities of life and giving employment to those who need it. That is the crux of Barrister’s message to leaders.

The death of Barrister is a big blow to the country’s music industry and it has surely created a vacuum within the industry especially Fuji music. He will be greatly missed by PMAN. So also will he be missed by theatre practitioners especially Yoruba theatre practitioners whose love for him seems to know no bounds. His death pains me so much just like it does to millions of his fans and all those who know the value of talent and creativity. But I am mostly pained because my dream of writing a book on his work in his life time has proved to be a mirage. If I still go ahead now, it will be posthumous. How greatly am I pained by this!

Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, MFR, has come and gone. He left his footprint on the sands of time. He will continue to be remembered for his contribution to the growth of African music. My condolence goes to his family, his fans across the globe and the remaining Fuji music players. For the rest Fuji music stars, my advice for you all is this – the best tribute you can pay to the memory of this great artist is for you to settle your differences, stop being abusive and play meaningful music like Barrister did. May his soul rest in peace – Amen.
by Kola Odepeju

Source: Daily Independent Dec 29, 2010
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