The famous Ibadan-based fuji act, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde clocked 58 years yesterday and marked the birthday during his live performance for the families of Oguntomi and Ogunkanmi at Oluyole Estate Extension in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Ayinde was caught off guard by one of his long-existing fans, Alhaji Ademola Adesingbin, who presented him a modest cake in a brief ceremony on the stage.
TheTabloid.net gathered that Adesingbin flew in from his UK base few days earlier and reconnected with the musician in what looked like a show of their sustainable love.
Confounded, the fuji Merenge deployed his lyrics to return the gesture, lavishly singing the praise of the also impressed Adesingbin who danced to the band heavy percussion which submerged the whole big hall.
History of the duo, it was learnt, dated back to the early 80s, when his music career was in infancy, hence their enviable bond.
In his remark, Adesingbin said he was happy that the birthday coincided with his presence in the country, saying Ayinde was worth more than a cake due to his commitment to their friendship and his career. He also said that humility and diligence stand the musician out and make him his choice for over three decades.
“There is nothing to say other than wishing him many happy returns of the day. We shall all be alive to celebrate his landmark, which is 60 because he has done same for his elders in the industry. Record is there to confirm role he played when Alhaji Dauda Epo Akara clocked 60. Such a responsible person deserves honour too,” he said.
Another friend, Alhaji Lukman Badru also felicitated with Ayinde and wished him more breakthroughs as he advances in his career. Badru admonished him not to relent on his previous feat, saying that we are in a dynamic world, where things change at alarming rate.
“I am satisfied with the sound coming from him; it means he is in tune with the current trend. Things are moving fast now such that there is no room for complacence. I am wishing Alhaji many prosperous years in a sound health,” the islamic scholar prayed.
Yet another friend, Mr Abdul Adeniran congratulated the musician for attaining 58 in a good health and sound mind. Adeniran recalled his path to stardom and gave thanks to God for His support which saw him crossing many rivers.
“As a matter of fact, he has paid his dues, that is why those of us in the know are not that surprised that he remains relevant till today,” Adeniran noted.
Merenge had his debut elpee, titled ‘Money Power’ and produced by Oluyole Records, in 1984, after which he was churning out variety of releases, including Money Power 2, Talarumber, Serubawon, Authority and many others.
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