SOURCE speaks with the legendary Fuji act King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall 1 about his 'The Unusual' concert, working with contemporary acts, politics, and his new album. Pulse - What is the motive behind 'K1 Live Unusual' Concert? KWAM 1 - We want to present music generally at its best, in a unique way, different from what we've witnessed over the years. Although, some people started it, we are going to add more flavours to the fun.
Why is it called 'The Unusual'?
KWAM 1 - We call it unusual because there are lots of misconception about Fuji music. Some people even said it's the music of the touts, but these are absolutely false and untrue. The fact is, Fuji music remains the leading and surviving indigenous music in Nigeria. One of the 'unusual' facts is that, for the first time, a Fuji artiste is going to headline a show, that has leading Nigerian entertainers such as 2face, Lagbaja, Olamide, among others. Come Friday, November 21, you'll be seeing a lot of unusual performances.
Why did it take the organisers of this event to convince you to be part of the Unusual?
KWAM 1- Convince me? No! Not at all. It's our idea. It is my dream to see Fuji music at a bigger platform. The truth is, you can't isolate Fuji music from other genres of music in Nigeria. There is an element of Fuji in every song you listen to nowadays. This goes to tell you the importance of Fuji music.
Are we going to see 2baba performing alongside King of Music?
KWAM 1 - For the sake of contents of the event, we won't say anything about that now. That's why we want our fans to come and see the Unusual.
A lot of people believe that Fuji concerts are without violence. What are you doing to stage a violence-free concert?
KWAM 1 - First, I disagree with you on that. Give me three venues where such had happened? It is a wrong impression and it is because many people don't know much about Fuji music. Every music has a form of violence and all sorts, even the popular one called Hip-Hop. For instance, the American artiste, Kanye West was recently in Australia to perform, and there was serious mayhem among the fans, while he was performing. It is not limited to Fuji music. And it is normal especially in a crowded event, even at a football pitch, where you have a lot of people. That's why we've chosen a befitting venue like the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel & Suites for a historic show like this. Maximum security is also guaranteed.
Let's talk about your new album, State of Nation, What informed it?
KWAM 1 - I used music to address the state of the nation. We're not getting things right in the country at the moment. The problem is getting higher everyday. The peace and tranquillity everybody expected to see in the running of day-to-day affairs is missing. There is need for somebody like us, musicians, to come out, and address the issues.
Why the choice of Olamide in State of Nation, why not other artistes?
KWAM 1 - First, my relationship with all the artistes are great. Aside from Olamide, I also featured 9ice in another song. I have worked with other artistes. I am trying to build a very good relationship expected among the old and the new. However, on this song, Olamide and I share the same understanding, he's also the voice of the streets.
Let's talk about your political ambition. We learnt you relocated to Ijebu because you want to contest for Senate. How true is it?
KWAM 1 - I am not contesting for any political office. I am an entertainer, I am a musician, very serious one for that matter. I didn't relocate to Ijebu because of any political ambition. I have freedom of movement, it could be Ibadan, where I also own a big house. So, it could be anywhere. Moving back to Ijebu has nothing to do with politics.
What's your take on entertainers going into politics?
KWAM 1 - First, everybody is free to seek for elective offices. Whether entertainers or not, it's my right, your right to seek elective posts. However, the motives cannot be the same. I do not have any take on that, that's your job (referring to the Journalists) to ask them why going into politics. At times, you don't need to seek office before you become useful to your community. I have been of service to the people all my life. I have rendered services to my community in so many ways. I am still doing it and I will continue to do it.
What else are expecting after this?
KWAM 1 - Continuation of great songs and spectacular performance. It is going to be bigger than this. I am going to have the biggest world tour of five cities, starting from February 14 and runs through May, 2015. The cities are, London, Los-Angeles, Miami, Johannesburg and Lagos, Nigeria.
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