After K1 I Am The Next—Fuji Music Act, Ramoni Akanni Boasts

For avoidance of doubt, it is a statement of fact that there are two widely known sub-genre of Fuji music. One: the regular style of Fuji music as created by late Fuji music legend, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister which may be called the regular brand of Fuji. And two: the classical brand of Fuji music as later created by Barrister’s protégé who has today become an undisputable emperor in music himself, King Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe Marshal better known as K1.

And any good fan of Fuji music knows that classical Fuji has today, a lineage of its own, with a growing number of talented artistes taking after K1 as they bring in their own slight modification to the classical Fuji for an iota of own identity. In that extended family of classical Fuji singers is Oyo State based talented musician, Alhaji Ramoni Akanni, Raymon King (RK1), who, if the classical Fuji music singers’ extended family is put in the African perspective of family setting, is the next to K1, the family head (Olori Ebi) in rank.

This second in command position was publicly pronounced by RK1 at an event in Abeokuta, Ogun State, over the weekend; Saturday, 26th March, to be precise. It was the final burial party of one of the big fans of classical Fuji music who also happens to be a member of a social club in which K1 himself belongs (Royal Pioneer Club), Adisa Oris. The venue was an expansive marquee within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Oke-Mosan. And the gathering had in attendance a large number of the old time fans of K1 the ultimate.

The likes of Honourable Gbenga Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alhaji Olanrewaju Akanni Lamex, Alhaji Lukman Fowotade (L & K), Mayor Akinpelu, IOB, Raufu Ni Cotonou and the entire Fadaka Group, Chief Wale Adesina (Wale Saranda), Oba Fatai Akamo, the Olu of Itori, and a host of many others were all listening to the melodious tune of RK1 on the band stand when he made bold to say, “after K1, I am the next,” and they all seemed to nod simultaneously in agreement with him on that claim.

And why would they not? In recent times, the practice among lovers of classical Fuji has seemingly become, “if it is not K1, then it must be RK1.” And RK1 himself never loses sight of the fact that he has not displaced K1 but only being the best substitute to the Arabambi 1 of Fuji music. And that seems to be the reason he always pay homage to K1 in his music as his father, anywhere he performs. And considering Ramoni Akanni’s own deep talent, humility and mastery of other art of music beyond Fuji, such as popular hip hop tunes, Apala, Juju and even, the Talazo Fuji style, which he switches to, to entertain his audience whenever the need arises, he is a strong force to reckon with in music.

Meanwhile, RK1, who picked K1 as his role model sometime in 1984, has so much to show for his years in music as he has performed in all the major continents of the world through America and Europe, he drives choice cars and has 7 palatial houses and still counting in both Ogbomosho, his home town and Ibadan, his alternative place of residence. So, he is even taking after K1 in terms of success.

Just in case, RK1 can be reached through his Personal Assistant (P.A.) on 08164525751 or 08104374439 for your next event.