For more than four decades, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as K1 De Ultimate, has reigned as the undisputed king of Fuji music.
While his supremacy has at times been contested by his peers, K1’s ability to consistently emerge as the leader has silenced his critics and made him a unifying force in the industry.
Since the passing of Fuji pioneer Ayinde Barrister and the quiet retreat of his contemporary, Ayinla Kollington, K1’s mastery of the genre has cemented his place as the torchbearer of Fuji music.
Persecondnews reports that on stage, his charisma, mastery of the talking drum, instrumentation and lyrical dexterity leave audiences spellbound.
Off stage, however, K1 has often found himself embroiled in situations that make as many headlines as his songs.
The Abuja airport drama
The recent drama at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is the latest in a string of high-profile controversies by the legendary musician.
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), slammed the Fuji legend with a six-month no-fly ban for allegedly obstructing a taxiing aircraft — an act Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo likened to a “hostage situation.”
A video footage circulating online showed the visibly irate musician standing in front of the aircraft, a scene that has since set social media alight.
Yet, for those who have followed his career closely, the uproar is hardly surprising.
K1’s public life has often been a dance between adoration and outrage, his name synonymous with both Fuji excellence and combustible moments.
It sometimes appears that as soon as he emerges from one storm, he sails headlong into another, each incident triggering national conversation.
‘Won Ganu Si’ controversy
The airport incident is only the most recent chapter. Since his mother’s death,
K1 has courted controversy, including the now-famous “Won Ganu Si” remark, in which he lashed out at Muslim clerics, accusing them of hypocrisy during her funeral rites.
That episode left religious leaders fuming and fans divided.
Many have questioned why a man so deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and Islamic traditions would publicly criticize a revered institution.
This incident wasn’t an isolated one. Previously, he was captured on video slapping a photographer mid-performance, a moment that went viral and was met with swift backlash, though he remained unapologetic.
Another controversial event occurred during the closing ceremony of the 2006 Ogun Gateway Games, where he appeared on stage with a rifle.
The stunt drew widespread criticism and alarm from the public.
Despite these controversies, K1’s music has remained unaffected.
During interviews, he often displays supreme self-confidence, once stating he might lose everything in life but never his grip on Fuji music.
This confidence isn’t without merit. His extensive discography, innovative rhythms, and ability to evolve the genre have ensured his position at the top remains secure.
However, questions about his temperament persist.
While his fans continue to fill venues for his performances, critics argue that his string of controversies tarnishes the Fuji brand, making its leading figure appear reckless.
Some believe the drama boosts his brand, while others feel it erodes the respect his artistry deserves.
Colleagues refused to react
Notably, his colleagues in the Fuji world have kept their distance from the latest saga.
When approached by this writer for comment, several prominent Fuji musicians declined, choosing instead to “stay out of it.”
Adding another layer to the conversation is K1’s long-standing closeness to Nigeria’s political elite.
Over the years, he has cultivated warm relationships with governors, ministers, and, most notably, President Bola Tinubu.
His performances at political rallies and private events have become a familiar sight, with many observers noting that K1 appears as comfortable in the corridors of power as he is on stage before adoring fans.
This political proximity has fuelled speculation that he often emerges unscathed from controversies that might derail lesser figures.
“He’s a man of the system,” says one entertainment analyst.
“When you’re that connected, there’s always the assumption that you can call in favours or that the rules bend for you.”
The Abuja ban, however, may be a different matter altogether. Whether those connections can shield him from this latest sanction remains to be seen.
Public opinion is sharply divided. Some stakeholders in the entertainment industry have defended K1, arguing that his decades-long contribution to Nigerian music should count for something.
“We must remember that K1 has carried Fuji on his back for years,” says Lagos-based music promoter Tunde Balogun.
“You don’t discard someone like that over one mistake. Dialogue should come before punishment.”
Others take a harder line. Cultural critic Aisha Lawal believes the ban sends a necessary message: “Great musicians have responsibilities beyond the stage. When you stand in front of a moving plane, you’re putting lives at risk. Talent does not place you above the law.”
There are also those who suggest that the incident reflects a deeper problem — the perception of impunity among Nigeria’s celebrity elite.
“K1 is not the first star to act like this,” notes political commentator Gbenga Oduyemi.
“But his case stands out because he has such a long record of similar controversies. At some point, you ask if the man is addicted to the drama.”
Fans, too, are split. Some continue to attend his shows and flood social media with messages of loyalty, insisting that his artistry eclipses any personal flaws.
Others have voiced disappointment, calling for a period of reflection and humility from the man they once idolized.
In Kate Henshaw’s voice, “Anyhowness of this country!! How is a passenger allowed to stand so close to an aircraft whose doors have closed, engine started & it’s ready for takeoff?
If na ordinary Nigerian like me now, agenda go agend. Make we continue to move like we are in the zoo pls! It suits us.”
Dr Ojo Abah in his reaction said “Why was KWAM1 allowed to pass through security screening with the alleged alcoholic liquid in the first place? When he allegedly refused to drop the liquid, why was he allowed to refuse?
“Having allegedly refused, why was he allowed to pass through the boarding gate in the first place? Having passed through the boarding gate, why was he allowed to set foot on the aircraft at all?
Having allegedly spilt the liquid on aircraft personnel, why was he not immediately arrested?
If, having been removed from the aircraft, he allegedly moved to the front of the plane and refused to leave, why was he not immediately arrested and forcibly removed?”, he asked.
Actor Patrick Doyle has weighed in on the controversy. In a social media post on Thursday, the 64-years-old shared a personal account of how some airline staff allegedly target celebrities, expressing empathy with the singer over his ordeal with the crew of ValueJet.
Kwam 1 was baited by the airline staff, and sadly, they succeeded in riling him.
I can’t say I blame him because I have been known to go ballistic during such episodes myself,” he wrote.
Patrick said he had experienced similar treatment, particularly at the Asaba airport where a female staff member refused to allow him board with his hand luggage, which was slightly over the weight limit.
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