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•As fans immortalise Fuji creator, Ayinde Barrister
By Kehinde Aderemi
Nearly 16 years after his death, the enduring legacy of Fuji music pioneer, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, will again take centre stage today as fans, artistes and cultural enthusiasts converge in Lagos for the grand finale of the 2026 biennial BarryFest celebration.
The climax of this year’s festival at the Stella Hall, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Ikeja, comes days after the unveiling of a permanent monument in honour of the late music icon at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Organisers of the programme revealed that music stars, cultural custodians and stakeholders in the Fuji industry would gather to promote unity within the genre, while celebrating the life and enduring impact of its founding father.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Isa Onilu, urged contemporary indigenous musicians to create philosophical and impactful music capable of standing the test of time
.“If almost 16 years after his departure, Barrister still lives in the minds of lovers of philosophical music, then engaging in needless rivalry is a waste of energy. Barrister is even more influential in death than they imagined,” he said.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, disclosed that the state recently honoured Barrister with a posthumous Award of Excellence during activities marking its 50th anniversary, urging admirers and stakeholders to continue institutionalising his legacy. Museum Curator and Zonal Director, Mrs. Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, commended organisers for the initiative. She described the monument as unprecedented in the museum’s 50-year history. The monument project, fully financed by Barrister’s global fan base under the BarryFest platform, also attracted tributes from cultural leaders and stakeholders.
Chairman of BarryFest, Alhaji Olaide Olawumi, described the late musician as a pioneer, innovator and visionary, whose contributions elevated Fuji music onto the global stage.
Similarly, President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajen iyi Ajewole, said Ibadan remains proud of its illustrious son, stressing that Barrister’s legacy remains evergreen.
