Veteran Fuji singer Adewale Ayuba recently shared his experience of almost leaving music to become a lecturer in the US.
Ayuba recounted their three-month summer tour in the United States in 1995, during which his band was unable to return to Nigeria due to threats from the late military leader, Sani Abacha. He revealed in a conversation with Teju Babyface that the threats stemmed from his album supporting the liberation of political prisoners, including the late MKO Abiola.
During his three years in the US, Ayuba enrolled in classes, obtained US citizenship, and contemplated a career in academia.
“I left for America with my full band in 1995 for a summer show and others. We were supposed to return to Nigeria after three months, but I only went back in 1998 after Abacha died. My three years in America were by the grace of God, who is a good planner.
While in America, I realized I could only perform on weekends, leaving my weekdays free. So, I enrolled in school and that’s where I met my wife. I engaged in many activities, essentially building a new foundation in America. Completing my documentation, I became an American citizen.
I didn’t see myself continuing in Fuji music. I believed I had done well and that there was more to explore in America, trusting that God had a plan.
When asked if he truly lost interest in Fuji music, Ayuba replied, “Absolutely, especially with the genre I was singing. I developed a strong interest in education. From day one, I always said I wanted to become a lecturer or teacher. If I had finished my bachelor’s degree, I would have pursued a master’s and Ph.D. to become a lecturer. I felt I had done well in Fuji music, and being in America, I thought it was time to explore a different path.”