I would speak on the origin of fuji and other controversies when the time is right –Kollington

General Ayinla Kollington who is widely believed to be the second person to sing fuji in Nigeria has refused to comment on the latest raging controversy concerning the origin and originator of Fuji music.

When contacted by Saturday Beats in his residence in Lagos, Kollington chose not to talk about the issue. He said that he had read and heard about everything that had been going on but decided to keep mum.

He said, “We have documented the genesis of fuji through our several interviews. I have a biography but concerning the origin of fuji, I reserve my comment on that. I have heard everything that is happening and I know where you are going concerning this question. When the time is right, I would explain how everything happened. Very soon, I would hold a press conference and explain everything in the presence of all the fuji artistes.”

Fuji artistes are known to abuse one another in their lyrics, Kollington who is not a stranger to this trend as he was in constant war of words with Barrister during his life time, spoke on the issue. According to the ‘general of fuji’, such a trend would never end.

“From the beginning of time, musicians have always been having beef among themselves. That is how our forefathers also abused themselves in music but later they would end it. That is how it has always been and it would always be like that till the end of the world except no one sings anymore. The reason most musicians abuse themselves through their music is because of youthful exuberance. It is just for the music but after some time, they would end the feud. Besides, it makes the music more interesting. Now, it is the problem of any follower that takes it upon himself to fight on behalf of any musician. That does not concern the musician,” he said.

However, the veteran fuji singer was quick to mention that they were not troublesome people as perceived by the public.

Kollington said, “Those that believe that fuji is meant for just troublesome people are mistaken. We are not troublesome people. The bible says that you should teach your children in the right way so that they will give you peace of mind. We all have different upbringing. It is mostly the area boys that cause problems and this is why people say that fuji musicians are troublesome people. When we are performing, they would enjoy the show and when we are about leaving, they begin to ask us for moeny. If you refuse, they break bottles and cause trouble. This is why people have the impression that we are troublesome people but we are not.”

After taking a hiatus from music due to health challenges, the ace fuji singer is back with a new album, Eshin funfun (white horse) which he was eager to talk about.

“I titled my new album, ‘White Horse’ because it had been a while I released an album because I was ill for a while. I had some health challenges but now I have overcome them all and I am ready to start releasing music again. The white horse has bounced back. I had ulcer and typhoid but because I am popular, people blew it out of proportion. But we all know that there are some people who had an illness smaller than this and it killed them. I thank God for my life,” he said.

Source: Punch