King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal I

A member of Chief Doctor Sikiru Ayinde Barrister's band, the Supreme Fuji Commanders, from 1978 until 1984, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal I, or KWAM1 (born: Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Omogbolahan Anifowsha), has assumed his mentor's role as "king of fuji," a style of dance music combining juju, apala, and Yoruban blues. A prolific recording artist, KWAM1 continues to update the fuji style. In addition to incorporating such Western instruments as keyboards, saxophone, and electric guitar, KWAM1 has expanded his musical vocabulary to include rock, funk, and hip-hop influences. Although he initially sang Koranic chants and rhymes, KWAM1 has increasingly focused on youth-oriented themes. The recipient of a Nigerian music award as Best Fuji Artist of 1995, KWAM1 was named Best African Artist at the following year's WOMAD Festival in Reading, England. In May 2001, he was granted the title "Olu Omo" (golden child) by the king of Lagos, King Adeyinka Oyekan II. Recording as a soloist since 1980, KWAM1 had his greatest success with his 1984 album, Talazo 84, which introduced a new, turbo-charged style of music that became known as the Talazo system.
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