Fuji musician Sulaimon Adekunle, popularly known as KS1 Malaika, has faulted singer Small Doctor for claiming that Fuji music is dying due to a lack of new stars since the emergence of Remi Aluko.
Small Doctor made the comment during a recent interview in which he lamented the current state of the genre.
“Since the emergence of Remi Aluko, there has been no other known Fuji musician,” he said.
Responding in a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, Malaika addressed the ‘Penalty’ singer directly, stating that his take on Fuji music lacked proper understanding.
“My dear music son @iam_smalldoctor, I read your submission and understanding of Fuji Music, where you said after the emergence of Remi Aluko, there’s no other known Fuji musician and that Fuji is dying. Although everyone is entitled to freedom of speech and expression, let me educate you respectfully because it’s the genre of music I belong to and should know better than you,” he began.
Malaika said he strongly disagreed with Small Doctor’s assessment and insisted that several Fuji artistes have emerged and are doing well both in Nigeria and abroad.
He argued that Fuji’s limited presence in the mainstream media should not be mistaken for a decline in its relevance or growth.
“At least we have other genres of music, for example: Apala and Juju. If you say Fuji is dying, what will you say to them? Don’t also forget, a lot of hip-hop musicians are on Fuji tempo till date. If Fuji receives the kind of attention and support TV/radio stations accord hip-hop, Fuji music would go further and bigger. Despite the challenges, it remains highly formidable and threatens other genres of music,” he wrote.
Malaika also stressed that Fuji music has a depth and cultural richness that outsiders might overlook. He pointed out that the genre continues to support emerging talents even if their rise is not as loud or media-driven as in the Afrobeats scene.
“Fuji music is more detailed than your genre of music. Furthermore, we support our upcoming ones in our own way. Millions of people sing hip-hop also, but few are noticed. To become a star artiste is not by anyone’s power, knowledge or wisdom.”
He added that genres like Apala and Juju have experienced even steeper declines in mainstream appeal, yet they remain integral to Nigeria’s cultural identity.
Malaika emphasised that Fuji still commands a massive following among Yoruba-speaking audiences across Nigeria and the diaspora. He also used the moment to call for unity among Nigerian musicians, saying diversity is what strengthens the country’s music industry.
He concluded, “I appreciate the fact that you said you stand to be corrected and also because we share a bond, hence my response.”
Malaika, who began his musical journey in the early ’80s, is widely regarded as one of the most successful Fuji artistes of his generation.
He has toured extensively across Europe, America and Asia and has remained active in Fuji.
