On Sunday, 3rd July 2022, the ancient city of Abeokuta was agog, as the most talked-about event; King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s 50 years on stage celebration kick-started.
The celebration, which happened to be the first, was put together by the Freelance & Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) under the supervision of Desmond Nwachukwu Abiodun, the President.
This event took place at DLK Event Centre, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State and was attended by many dignitaries from all over the world.
WHY WE CHOSE TO CELEBRATE K1
Speaking on why FIBAN hosted K1’s 50 years on stage in Abeokuta, the State Chairman of FIBAN in Ogun State, Mr Olufemi Samuel Ogunlani says “K1 de Ultimate is a great man. He is from Ogun State and we cannot rule that out, though he is an Ijebu man, but I see him as a man of many parts, as people from all over the world are here today to celebrate him. It doesn’t really matter where the celebration started from, what is important is that we are celebrating the grace of God in his life. You will agree with me that Fuji music is far ahead of many other genres of music, and there is no doubt that K1 has done a lot in improving the status of Fuji music from where it used to be to where it is now. And one thing I also appreciate in K1 is the introduction of instrumentals he infused into his style of music which makes Fuji music more acceptable all over the world. So, I think celebrating him is a well-deserved honour.”
ARRIVAL OF THE CELEBRANT & WIFE
The event started at 2 pm with many dignitaries already seated, and the moment everyone was waiting for came when the celebrant arrived with his beautiful wife, Emmanuella Ropo Marshal. The President of FIBAN, Mr Desmond Nwachukwu Abiodun with Executive Members of the Association received him.
Popular Abeokuta-based Fuji musician, Sefiu Alao was on the bandstand to welcome the man he always refers to as his brother, father, and mentor with melodious songs.
ABEOKUTA-BASED THEATRE PRACTITIONERS HONOUR K1
Many Abeokuta-based Nollywood actors were also on the ground to honour the man of the moment, led by veteran actor, Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Olaiya Igwe. They also presented a live drama that told the story of K1 on stage. According to Olaiya Igwe, “K1 is a man I love so much, I have known him for over 30 years and I am very close to him. I have learned some of his attitude and style just because I see him as a disciplinarian, a very principled man with great policy one can emulate and will never regret.
He is a man who does not joke about his job. So we are here to celebrate his 50 years on stage with him”.
SP MUYIWA ADEJOBI PRESENTS AWARD TO K1
Superintendent of Police, Muyiwa Adejobi was one of the prominent guests at the celebration. He was charged to present the award to him. The force PRO, while presenting the award, noted that Nigerian entertainment has really helped in curbing criminal activities. He noted that if some youths we are not being engaged in the entertainment industry, the level of insecurity plaguing the country would have been more intolerable than the present situation.
MAYOR AKINPELU CONDUCTS THE CUTTING OF THE CAKE
Just after the presentation of the award, the celebrant, K1 de Ultimate and his wife were invited to the podium and the profile of K1 was read.
After which his childhood friend, Mayor Akinpelu of Global Excellence was invited to conduct the cutting of the cake. Many of the guests joined them in the photography session.
KOLADE ONANUGA & OTHER ARTISTES PERFORM FOR K1
Fuji music singer, Kolade Onanuga was at this great event with many other artistes who sound like the King of Fuji music, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal. They were all invited one after the other to sing for K1, while other performances like choreography and dancing followed.
WHY I AM CELEBRATING MY 50 YEARS ON STAGE ACROSS THE WORLD
And it was time for the celebrant to speak. King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal appreciated everyone who took the time to honour him. He said, “I am so happy. 50 years on stage is not a joke. I give glory to God Almighty. I thank my people.
I thank my fans across the globe, they made me what I am today, and I thank my family for tolerating me for that long journey and still counting. The 50 years on stage celebration is just starting; I also want to thank FIBAN, their National President, Desmond Abiodun and the executives all over Nigeria for their love. This is the first celebration of my 50 years on stage. By the grace of God, we are celebrating in Ibadan.
We are celebrating in Ilorin, we are going to celebrate in Osogbo, Akure and Ekiti, my mother’s home town. We are celebrating in America and London.
We will also celebrate in Canada, Europe, France and Germany. We are also celebrating in the Benin Republic, Cotonou before we now return back to Lagos where I was made Oluomo. Then, we will now go back to Oyo town where I was made Maiyegun in general. And finally to Ijebu-Ode, my base.
– Sunday Adigun
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