Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, better known by his stage name K1 De Ultimate, has said he was the one who officially registered Fuji music and created its constitution. In a newly released interview with Agbaletu TV, the legendary singer described himself as the key figure behind Fuji’s rise, noting that his work laid the foundation others are now building on.
K1 explained that he took the step of registering the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) with the Corporate Affairs Commission to give the genre a proper structure. He also said he drafted the association’s constitution by himself to help guide its growth and unity.
He stated, “When I had the privilege to make Fuji music mine, I didn’t do so. I registered Fuji music with the Corporate Affairs Commission as the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, with the genre officially titled Fuji. I also wrote the Constitution single-handedly.”
K1 recalled that the constitution was written in his house with help from several key figures, including Fancia Alamu, Muhideen Ashekun, Waheed Akangbe—who served as interim president—and Kolotiti as secretary. He added that his personal secretary handled the final write-up based on the committee’s discussions. Also present during the process was his lawyer, Shola Abidakun.
The Mayegun of Ijebuland said that despite all he has done for Fuji music, some people still speak badly about him.
“People say Wasiu is not good, but I did everything. God used me to do many things for Fuji music. What have I been paid with? These are things I didn’t want to speak about before now. Despite my efforts, they haven’t made a real impact on Fuji, yet they continue to call me all sorts of names,” he said.
K1 also addressed rumors that he insulted his late mentor, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. According to him, he never disrespected the late legend and only got caught up in a controversy because a fellow musician insulted Barrister during a concert where he was also present. He believes some of Barrister’s aides at the time stirred up the misunderstanding.
Looking back at how he became the King of Fuji, K1 said it wasn’t planned. A dispute between two Fuji giants—Kolawole Kollington and Barrister—led event organizers to crown him instead, as a neutral figure who could keep the peace.
“I became the King of Fuji music because there was a squabble between Kollington and Barrister. So, in an attempt to avoid conflict after crowning one over the other, the organisers chose me — particularly to please my boss,” he explained.
He also cleared the air on claims that he received financial help from the government for his mother’s burial, stating that such stories were false.
