Veterans and leading voices of Fuji music came together in a rare show of unity and reverence as they reunited to honour the memory of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, the undisputed pioneer of Fuji music, at a memorial event celebrating his enduring legacy.

The gathering brought together prominent Fuji stars, many of whom were shaped directly or indirectly by Barrister’s groundbreaking work. Once marked by rivalry and generational divides, the scene was instead defined by respect, reflection, and shared history, as artistes paid tribute to the man widely regarded as the architect of Fuji as it exists today.

Attendees described the memorial as both emotional and symbolic. Performances, prayers, and spoken tributes highlighted Barrister’s role in transforming traditional Yoruba Islamic music into a structured, modern genre that could command large audiences, record sales, and cultural authority. His influence was repeatedly emphasized not just in sound, but in discipline, lyrical depth, and the intellectual framing of Fuji music.

For many observers, the reunion carried deeper meaning. Fuji music has often been associated with intense rivalry, public feuds, and factional loyalty. Seeing multiple stars share the same space peacefully in honour of a common forefather was widely interpreted as a reminder of Barrister’s unifying impact, even years after his passing.

Social media reactions praised the moment as “historic,” with fans noting that Barrister’s legacy was powerful enough to momentarily silence long-standing divisions within the genre. Others called for the spirit of the memorial to extend beyond tribute events, urging greater collaboration and preservation of Fuji’s cultural roots.

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, who passed away in 2010, remains one of the most influential figures in Nigerian music history. His work laid the foundation for Fuji’s growth from local religious gatherings to national and international stages, influencing generations of artistes who followed.

As the memorial concluded, one message stood clear: while artistes may disagree, compete, or evolve in different directions, the roots of Fuji music remain shared. And in remembering Barrister, the genre briefly returned to that common ground a testament to a legacy that continues to command respect, unity, and reverence.