•FUJI Star, PASUMA Opens Up
It is no more news that Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Odetola popularly known as Pasuma, Oganla, Gauzu Fuji, Ijoba Fuji is one of the successful Fuji musicians of his generation.
The ever handsome young looking Fuji star recently celebrated his 55th birthday and truth be told he doesn’t look it a bit.
In his 55th birthday interview, Pasuma revealed how he started as a footballer, which many people don’t know.
Enjoy the interview.
How did your journey begin in the music industry?
It’s been a while. I have been a musician for over 38 years, 1984 to be precise. I will soon celebrate my 40 years on stage by the grace of God. Thanks be to the Lord, that we are still relevant. God has continued to spare my life in good health with his mercies, and with the prayers of my admirers.
Was Pasuma a footballer before getting into the music industry?
When I was a student at Nigeria Model High School, Idi-Oro, Mushin, if I can remember vividly, in 1992, when I was in Form 3, The Principal’s Cup Football Competition was on. It was a football competition among secondary schools in Lagos State. Footballers were being selected to represent Nigeria at the first Kodak FIFA U-17 World Cup. Then, I was a member of Abuede Football Club in Shogunle Oshodi-Lagos. I was among the four footballers picked and we were kept in camp.
Eventually, I wasn’t among the footballers selected for the tournament. In 1983, I was in Form 4 then, I tried again to see if I would be selected but they didn’t pick me. By 1984, I finished my Form 5. The footballers selected in 1983 went to represent Nigeria at the 1985 tournament. Fatai Atere was among the footballers. Nigeria won the competition.
When the team came back, a street was named in his honour. So, I played football but I wasn’t destined to be a great footballer. But I thank God, I succeeded where he has put me. I was not injured then; they did not pick me but I thank God.
How many albums has Pasuma done so far?
Can I still remember? After I left secondary school, I decided that I will become a musician. In the year 1984, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1) released an album. It spurred me on I decided to become a musician and God made me to succeed.
I was a singer in Mushin and its environs till 1993. Then I met Eru Owa Records, now known as Sarolaj. My boss Olatunji Sarumi encouraged me to make my first album. So, if I count from 1993 till date, I also made albums for Bayowa Records, Afeezco Films and Records, I.Kay Dancet and others. So, my albums are many and I have lost count. But MMM is the one trending now, the album is worldwide. The marketer, Mr. Role Model made so much money from it.
Which one of your albums made Pasuma popular?
Orobokibo was the album that shot Pasuma to fame. In 1993, I made my first album with the title “Recognition”. In 1994, I made “Choices”, Orobokibo shot Pasuma to fame in 1995. I receieved awards as the Best Fuji Artiste in 1996, it was FMA and NMA awards. Also I was at the Benson & Hedges Concert in 1996. All other albums are good. But in this era, MMM is not a small album. It’s God’s doing. The album was released in the year 2020 of Covid-19 pandemic, yet God made it a resounding success, I thank God.
After MMM what is the next album?
The album coming after MMM is titled “Legendary”. Some people have said I am now a legend. I have been an outstanding Fuji musician for almost four decades and God has made me to succeed, so, I have become a legend. That is why I titled my coming album “Legendary”. I pray God makes it more successful than it did MMM in the year 2020.
What are the challenges you faced while making your albums?
There are many challenges. We have encountered many challenges but God has continued to lead us through.
