How Afrobeats artistes are reviving Fuji in today’s soundscape

A new wave of Afrobeats artists is reaching back to the genre’s Yoruba roots, pulling Fuji’s chant-driven vocals, gripping percussion and rich drum patterns into contemporary music.

Once dominant across South-West Nigeria—shaping street culture, childhood memories and community celebrations—Fuji, pioneered by legends like Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Kollington Ayinla, Saheed Osupa, Pasuma, Adewale Ayuba and K1 De Ultimate, had seen its visibility shrink as Afrobeats took over global charts.

But the nostalgia is proving too powerful to ignore.

In recent years, rising and established Afrobeats artists have begun weaving Fuji elements, samples and cadences into their work, sparking a cultural revival that bridges eras.

Falz leads the pack with “No Less,” off The Feast, which samples Barrister’s classic “Fuji Garbage.”

The track quickly went viral on Instagram, resonating with listeners who recognised the unmistakable Fuji homage.

Seyi Vibez—whose music heavily reflects his Islamic and Yoruba environment—went full Fuji on “Vibe Till Thy Kingdom Come,” delivering vocals reminiscent of Pasuma.

Wizkid also nods to the genre on “Troubled Mind,” the opening track of his Morayo album, which begins with a sample of K1 De Ultimate praising him during his mother’s burial.

Though the song itself isn’t Fuji, the choice signals deep respect for the tradition.

Asake, long known for blending Fuji textures into his Afrobeats hits, closes his Lungu Boy album with “Fuji Vibe,” a track anchored in Fuji rhythms. He also samples K1’s “C’mon Look” on “Active.”

Most recently, Adekunle Gold has become the face of Fuji’s modern renaissance. His new album, Fuji, draws boldly from the genre that shaped his childhood.

Tracks like “Oba” and “Don Corleone” flaunt Fuji instrumentation, but “Many People”—featuring gospel-Fuji star Yinka Ayefele—stands out.

The music video brings Fuji icon Adewale Ayuba into the fold, completing a powerful homage to the classic line “Many many many people, say,” popularly associated with Ayefele but credited to Ayuba.

This resurgence proves that Fuij is far from fading—it’s evolving.

By merging heritage with modern sound, these Afrobeats artists are reintroducing Fuji to a global audience and reaffirming its place in contemporary Nigerian music.