Famous thespians, Alhaja Taiwo Hassan (Iya Awero) and Mr Kayode Olaiya (Aderupoko) joined fans of the late fuji creator, Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister for the grand finale of ‘Barryfest’ 2022, held in Ibadan on Sunday.

In large numbers and across the globe, fans trooped out to the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort located at Akanran, an Ibadan suburb and celebrated the life and time of Barrister, who passed away on December 16, 2010 in UK.

Fans of Barry Wonder

The fete was a three-day event, starting with the unveiling of the fuji music Hall of Fame at the Fuji Chamber residence of Barrister in Isolo, Lagos, visits to underprivileged homes, Gala night and the musical carnival which also featured presentation of awards to some deserving fuji musicians, including General Kollington Ayinla and K1, both of whom did not attend the occasion.

The turnout was stirring as hundreds of fans clad in a uniform Ankara fabrics matched with green caps and gele, which dominated the venue of the occasion attended by old generation of fuji musicians, particularly Alhaji Love Azeez, Alhaji Waheed Akangbe, Alhaji Mikky Adisa and others.

Wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Professor Bolanle Olaniyan, Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Honourable Ademola Ige, the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi, wife of the late Ibadan Politician, Alhaja Bose Adedibu, President, Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Alhaji SK Sensation were among distinguished guests that graced the carnival where fuji musicians led by Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde, one after the other, mounted stage and sang the praise of Barrister in bright tones.

Oloye Lekan Alabi, extolled the virtue of Barrister as a legendary musician whose body of musical works would continue to be relevant, charging living musicians to up their acts in order to also record evergreen works like Barrister.

Music, Alabi, said, was beyond rushing to studio to arrange some lyrics of no value, clarifying that creativity, consistency and persistence in face of lull separated an evergreen musician from the average, whose songs make a little impact in their fans.

“Musicians like Barrister, Baba Legba, Yusuf Olatunji, who performed at my naming ceremony, are hard to come by. In fact, they come in a century. Barrister records evergreen albums because of this reason. If you listen to Yusuf Olatunji, you feel his presence immediately. That is what we call music, not making noise. I am happy that I know these two musicians and appreciate their talents, which earned them this long lasting fame. Olatunji died in 1978, still his music sounds so fresh. Same with Barrister we are celebrating here today,” he said.

An entrepreneur and Mogaji of Akere lineage of Ibadan, Mogaji Gbolagade Akere, shared Alabi’s submission, adding that Barrister was musician of yesterday, today and future.

“I am familiar with some fuji musicians to know the place of Alhaji Barrister among them. He is so respected that he is always a reference point. This is because of relevance of his timeless songs and beat. I am happier today seeing what is happening here”, he also said.

Secretary of the organizing committee, Asiwaju Ademola Adesingbin, was presented with a special award in recognition of what is called his selfless service to build-up towards the success of BarryFest 2022. Chairman of the committee, Mr Olaide Olawumi said Adesingbin had proved his love for unity among different Barrister fans clubs and deserved honour too.

A former President of Ayinde Barrister Legacy Club, Alhaji Tolani Owolabi, said Barrister deserved more attention for his tireless work which gave birth to fuji music and nurtured it to one of most followed genre in the world.

“I am very proud to be one of many fans of Barrister. I am happy that I made it here despite demand of my job back in Lagos. Barrister worked for what we are doing in his honour today. I pray to God to continue to repose his soul.”

Also, a UK-based fan, Otunba Habeeb Olatilewa Sadiq said he was fulfilled coming to Nigeria to witness the event having followed the commitment by all members of the committee, showering encomium on Adesingbin, whom he described as man of integrity.

“Asiwaju is worthy our support because of his attitude to friendship. We are here and enjoying ourselves. I congratulate him on his award of recognition,” he said.