Fuji: A Opera 2024 Looms with Commemorative Concert
Yinka Olatunbosun
A cultural staple in Nigeria is set to assemble indigenous music fans Lagos in an atmosphere of camaraderie. Tagged “Fuji: A Opera,” it is Nigeria’s premier festival showcasing the best of Fuji music. Now in its fifth edition, the show will be held on December 5, 2024, at its traditional Muri Okunola Park.
This year’s edition commemorates five decades of Fuji’s revolutionary influence on music and popular culture. With over 5,000 attendees expected, this milestone event promises a spectacular evening of Fuji legend performances, a powerful visual tribute, and a glimpse into the genre’s future.
In partnership with Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), this milestone 5th edition theme, “Five Decades of Fuji: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” celebrates the genre’s incredible 50-year history. Fuji music continues to inspire, from the bustling streets of Southwest Nigeria, where Fuji was born, to today’s Afrobeats charts, which are influenced by his legacy. This year’s event will investigate how five decades of Fuji creativity have influenced language, dance, and global popular culture.
The concert will include famous headliners—K1 De Ultimate, Saheed Osupa, KS1 Malaika, Shina Akanni, Abass Obesere, Remi Aluko, Sulaimon Atawewe, SK Sensation, and Lokoso Ajani —each representing a different period of Fuji music. In addition, two rising performers will demonstrate their talents, highlighting the genre’s changing future. This mix of Fuji’s iconic icons and rising stars exemplifies Fuji’s cross-generational appeal.
This year, Nigerian Breweries and Grand Oak gladly collaborated with Fuji: A Opera to provide fans with an upgraded experience. Nigerian Breweries will present a VIP lounge with special cocktails inspired by the genre’s vibe. Grand Oak’s interactive brand experience will showcase aspects of African heritage, providing festival-goers with an unforgettable cultural immersion.
Bobo Omotayo, the visionary of Fuji: A Opera, expressed his excitement for this edition: “Our fifth edition is particularly significant since it corresponds with five decades of Fuji’s great impact. It’s amazing to watch how Fuji: A Opera has expanded, introducing Fuji’s vitality to new audiences. We have held experiences in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This year, with the help of our dedicated sponsors and supporters, we’re elevating this celebration to new heights, commemorating every achievement Fuji has made over the years.”
Fuji fans may own a piece of history with the limited-edition “5th Anniversary” aso-ebi, designed in conjunction with UB Fabrics. The special print collection is inspired by Fuji’s distinctive aesthetic.
