Fans picked sides. In Lagos and across Yorubaland, fuji music lovers in the 1970s and 1980s were often loyal either to Sikiru Ayinde Barrister or to Kollington Ayinla. The two musicians traded musical jabs on their records, and their rivalry helped turn fuji into a mass phenomenon.
Fuji and the rivalry
Fuji is a Yoruba music style rooted in were, songs used to wake Muslims for meals during Ramadan. It features heavy percussion, praise singing and call-and-response vocals. Kollington Ayinla rose as a fuji singer in the 1970s. He became known as “General” Kollington and led the Fuji 78 band. His style included fast, driving rhythms and witty lyrics. He sang about social issues, morality and his own status.
Kollington and Barrister released songs that appeared to respond to each other, with boasts and subtle insults. Fans followed each release closely.
Albums, politics and legacy
The two musicians later made peace and appeared together, but the rivalry remains part of fuji history. Kollington released many albums over decades, maintaining a strong following. Fuji grew from Yoruba Muslim communities into a broad popular music, later carried forward by artists such as K1 De Ultimate and Pasuma. Like many fuji musicians, Kollington performed at political events and praised patrons.
He continued performing into older age, honoured as a fuji elder. Kollington is remembered as one of the founding figures of fuji alongside Barrister.
Live shows and loyal fans
Fuji concerts are long, energetic affairs where musicians play for hours, singing praises of guests who spray money on them. Kollington’s shows were famous for their stamina and for his ability to improvise lyrics about the people in front of him. Fuji fans were known to follow their favourite musician to every show, wearing his name on clothes and defending him in arguments with rival fans. The loyalty helped the musicians sell large numbers of cassettes.
Islam and instruments
Fuji grew from Muslim traditions, and many of its stars are Muslims who perform at religious celebrations as well as parties. Its lyrics often include moral lessons and prayers alongside praise singing. His band used talking drums, sakara, bells and other percussion, building a dense, driving sound. Rivalries sell records. In fuji, the rivalry between Kollington and Barrister helped build a whole genre that still fills Lagos parties today.
