Adewale Ayuba, the Bonsue Fuji Maestro, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s musical landscape by transforming Fuji music from its Yoruba roots into a globally recognized genre. Born in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, Ayuba rose to prominence with his 1991 album Bubble, blending traditional Fuji with modern sounds to captivate diverse audiences. This article explores his journey from a young performer to a cultural icon, highlighting his innovative contributions, international influence, and enduring legacy. Ayuba’s story reflects the dynamic interplay of tradition and innovation, cementing his role as a trailblazer in the modernization of Fuji music.
EXPLORE NOW: Democratic Nigeria
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Adewale Ayuba, born in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, is widely celebrated as the Bonsue Fuji King or Maestro. Sources differ on his birth date, citing either 25 March 1965 or 6 May 1966. He is also known by the nickname “Mr Johnson,” a moniker he adopted during his early career.
Ayuba displayed musical interest from a young age. In interviews, he recounted participating in local singing competitions and community events as a child, though archival records do not independently confirm these early activities. He attended Remo Secondary School in Sagamu, Ogun State.
The stage name Bonsue Fuji originated from a childhood admonition: his parents would caution him not to go about singing “Bonsue” instead of focusing on responsibilities. He later adopted this phrase as the brand name for his distinctive style of Fuji music.
Recording Career and Breakthrough
Ayuba’s professional recording career began in the 1980s, with early albums such as Ibere (Beginning) among his first works. While some early albums are cited in fan and discography sources, not all have been reliably confirmed in industry archives.
His sixth album, Bubble, released in 1991, is widely acknowledged as his breakthrough. In a 2023 interview, Ayuba noted that before Bubble, his music had limited reach among urban elites and younger audiences. The album introduced English lyrics, modern instrumentation, and polished production to expand Fuji’s appeal.
Bubble raised Ayuba’s national and international profile, integrating melodic elements and clearer production while maintaining Fuji’s percussive foundation. Over subsequent decades, he continued to refine his sound, balancing traditional Fuji elements with contemporary stylistic innovations.
International Exposure and Life Abroad
In the 1990s, Ayuba began performing internationally. He toured the United States with his band and reportedly maintained residence abroad during periods of political instability in Nigeria.
Some sources suggest that he enrolled in courses at Queensborough Community College in New York; however, no independent records confirm this claim. Ayuba returned to Nigeria in 1998, coinciding with the political transition after the death of military ruler Sani Abacha. His homecoming included a high-profile Lagos concert, signalling his renewed domestic presence.
Musical Innovation, Style, and Legacy
The Bubble album exemplified Ayuba’s approach to modernising Fuji while retaining authenticity. He incorporated English lyrics, softened percussion layers, and aimed for broader urban acceptance. This strategy mirrored wider genre shifts, as Fuji confronted competition from pop, juju, reggae, and Afrobeat.
In 2021, he released Koloba Koloba, a fusion of Fuji with trending sounds such as Amapiano, which gained attention among younger audiences and social media users. His continued relevance highlights both the adaptability of Fuji music and the persistence of the Bonsue Fuji brand.
Personal Life and Faith
Ayuba has discussed his religious journey in interviews. Raised in a Muslim family or community, he later converted to Christianity, describing the decision as joyful.
In a 2019 interview with The Nation, he spoke about his marriage, noting he met his wife while in the United States, and affirmed he would not take a second wife, contrasting with norms in some Yoruba musical contexts.
Fuji Music, Commercialisation, and Diaspora Dynamics
Fuji music emerged in Yoruba Muslim communities, evolving from Were and Ajisari traditions. By the 1980s and 1990s, Fuji was a major component of Nigeria’s popular music scene. Artists like Ayuba contributed to its commercial viability by adjusting language, production, and marketing for wider audiences.
Ayuba’s international performances positioned him as a cultural ambassador. His work across linguistic, national, and generational boundaries illustrates how Nigerian popular music increasingly engages global audiences.
Some narratives suggest Ayuba ventured into fashion branding with Bonsue Wears, though authoritative confirmation is lacking.
Continuity, Recognition, and Legacy
By 2025, Ayuba will have marked over 40 years in music. The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, publicly felicitated him on his 60th birthday on 25 March 2025. (State House Nigeria)
He remains active in music, engaging young audiences, and reinventing his sound. Koloba has achieved renewed popularity among younger listeners and social media users. Ayuba’s career demonstrates how musicians can balance tradition with innovation, maintaining relevance across decades.
Adewale Ayuba’s life mirrors the trajectory of contemporary Nigerian music: rooted in local traditions, challenged by urban tastes, and transformed through innovation and diasporic engagement. His rise from local performer to Bonsue Fuji maestro, his stylistic evolution, international reach, and personal transformations make him a central figure in the modern history of Fuji music.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Author’s note
While details such as his exact birth date, academic credentials, and some business ventures remain contested, his stage name, Bonsue Fuji identity, Bubble breakthrough, international exposure, and ongoing reinvention are well documented.
References
Pulse Nigeria. “3 decades later, Adewale Ayuba continues to push the boundaries of Fuji Music,” 23 October 2023.
Muziekweb. “Adewale Ayuba – biography & song titles.”
The Nation Newspaper. Interview, 2019.
State House Nigeria. Presidential felicitation on Adewale Ayuba’s 60th birthday, 2025.
