There was a time when the older generation lived on Fuji music, and the voice of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was everywhere on vinyl records, cassette tapes, and loud speakers at family parties.
His songs were more than entertainment; they were lessons about loyalty, betrayal, patience, destiny, hard work, and the unpredictable nature of human relationships.
Parents and elders listened to his music not just to dance, but to learn, reflect, and sometimes even receive warnings about life. I didn’t quite understand or enjoy it but I lived for the moment, especially because my father is a core fan. I had no choice.
Today, those same songs are being rediscovered by Gen Z through streaming platforms, social media, and throwback sessions.
Many young people who were not even born when the songs were released are now finding themselves deeply connected to the messages. Tracks like “Reality,” “Fuji Garbage,” “Precious Mother,” and “Iwa” talk about fake friends, self-worth, character, and the struggles of everyday life—topics that still describe the experiences of young people today.
What makes this possible is the kind of music Barrister created. He did not sing about passing trends; he sang about human nature, and human nature does not really change. The jealousy, ambition, love, betrayal, and hope he described decades ago still exist today, only in different forms.
So, while the older generation listens to his songs with nostalgia, remembering the days of vinyl and cassette tapes, Gen Z listens and feels understood. What once played from turntables is now circulating through smartphones. Different generations, different technology, but the same timeless truth. Barrister’s music proves that real wisdom never expires—it simply finds new listeners.
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