His unassuming tendency shields him from usual chaos that have lately defined the identity of fuji among other genres in Nigeria. Yet, Alhaji Taju Ayinla Abiodun famously known as Taju System, is an old horse ranked among fuji musicians who put their bands together in the 70s. The Ibadan-born is former Oyo State Governor of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and also former chairman, disciplinary committee of the Fuji Musician Association of Nigeria (FUMAN). His styles of fuji is regarded as mature, robust and rich in lyrics, percusion and aesthetics, hence his appreciable fans and engagements in Europe and the US. In this interview with TheTabloid.net, the 68-year-old reveals his father-son relationship with late Apala lord, Alhaji Haruna Isola till Isola passed away on November 9, 1983. Excerpts
When did you meet late Alhaji Haruna Isola?
I can’t remember the date precisely but it was between 1979 and 1980.
Did you meet him directly or you ran into him at a show where you both performed?
I got to know him through Alhaji Gani, his first son. Alhaji Gani was my fan. It was him that introduced me to Baba and Baba showed me love throughout his life.
How do you mean by showing you love?
I don’t live a fake life, telling lies and decieving myself in the process. Whatever I tell you, you can take it to the bank, with due respect. Baba was regularly engaging me to perform at his functions. How then would you describe one who regularly patronises you? Even when he died, I was again engaged and performed at his burial ceremony.
How did you and his son meet?
We met at a show I did for Alhaji Gani Kazeem at Oke Agbo in Ijebu-Igbo. He was a brother to Alhaji Olanrewaju Kazeem, chairman of Sokaz. He is also related to Mr M. Ola Kazeem, the records marketer. They are all indigenes of Ijebu Igbo.
Can we then say you have a bond with Ijebu Igbo?
You can say that again and again. There is no month I don’t perform at least twice in Ijebu-Igbo. The people accept me as one of them. In fact, some think I hail from the town because of my regular presence there. I thank the people for accepting me among them.
Your launching of musical instrument is fast approaching. How ready are you?
This question should be directed to the planning commitee led by Mogaji Kola Olootu. I can tell you that the committee and sub-committee have done so well and given me confidence that success is awaiting us on November 12. I thank all our guests who have shown commitment to attend the occasion. May God take them to and from the venue at Jogor Events Centre safely.
Published on November 1, 2025
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