How Alao Malaika Is Grooming Next Generation Stars Of Fuji Music

Sulaimon Alao Adekunle, the fuji music star known by the stage names “Sule Alao Malaika,” “Alao Malaika,” or simply “Malaika,” is putting structures in place to nurture the next generation of fuji kings.

Insiders disclosed that Malaika has been quietly doing this for a while.

The face of Fuji, whose song Ose Olorun (Thank You God) with the famous refrain that resonates deeply with many listeners—”O bo ju mi je” (a slang meaning “You did not put me to shame”)—spread like wildfire beyond its genre in 2022/2023, is said to be mentoring many young musicians.

“And he’s also providing support to older musicians, even helping some of his out-of-relevance colleagues stage a comeback,” sources say.

Information at hand revealed some of the life-touching gestures of the artist, widely regarded as the most traveled Fuji musician of his generation. These include facilitating foreign trips, organizing performances, paying for album launches, studio sessions, and album productions for younger artists, as well as providing pivotal guidance that has helped many reach the next level in their careers.

“He maintains an open-door policy, is easily accessible, and always willing to help. But he doesn’t make noise about what he does,” insiders say.

Wasiu Ayinde—the young musician known as Ayinde Sureboy, Adekunle Musa alias Talent, Monsuru Ajasa popularly known by the stage name “Studdor Macaroni,” Isa Alabi Mirinda, Murphy Adisa “Sabaika”, and Taju Alabi Istijabah aka Paso Ilorin—are some of the rising stars of Fuji music enjoying Alao Malaika’s benevolence.

Adisa Sabaika, Monsuru Ajasa (Studdor Macaroni), and Isa Mirinda have been unrestrained in adulating Alao Malaika during performances for all the good things he has done.

Ayinde Sureboy and Paso Ilorin in Kwara State—a Pasuma (Fuji musician Wasiu Alabi Odetola) singalike—also continue to thank Malaika for his good deeds, including facilitating performances in South Africa, Dubai, and Egypt.

Lagos-based Epenasa (Abiodun Ajadi), Tunde Akanji “Ileeru” operating out of Ibadan, Oyo State, and Bembela Sule often share how Malaika helped secure performances in Europe and South Africa, making the trips worthwhile by mobilizing fans to attend.

Beyond supporting rising stars, Malaika, who trended for gifting a house to his mother, Hajia Rukayat Mojirayo, in 2021, is also credited with assisting out-of-the-public-eye Fuji singers aiming to make a return to social relevance.

Jide Akanni, who adopted the stage name Skepto J, recently hosted a 50th birthday celebration and released a new album. Malaika,51, is labeled a contributor to this development, one of many such contributions to different artists.

“His helping hand also extends to veterans. Baba Musibau Alani ‘Omokere’ (elderly musician Musibau Alani, ‘young one’) has much to say about how much Malaika does for Fuji musicians across different classes,” sources say.

These contributions are said to include intentional efforts to ensure peace, unity, and collaborations that foster shared prosperity among Fuji musicians.

“Another thing he’s known for is troubleshooting among Fuji musicians. Malaika is quick to intervene in settling quarrels; his behind-the-scenes intervention in the conflict between Taye Currency and Pasuma helped prevent things from worsening,” sources disclosed.

Taye Currency (Taye Adebisi) and Pasuma (Wasiu Alabi Odetola) are currently embroiled in a dispute linked to years of underlying resentments and manipulation that have recently surfaced.