I am King of Fuji, not K1 De Ultimate – Ayinla Kollington

Veteran fuji legend Kollington Ayinla has firmly declared himself the undisputed king of fuji music, stating that he holds the top position in the genre both within and outside Nigeria.

In a recent interview on Agbaletu TV, Ayinla responded to questions about his role in fuji music and addressed his strained relationship with fellow fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate.

Clarifying why he was absent from the burial of K1’s mother, Ayinla said efforts to reach him were ignored. “I called him several times, even on New Year’s Day, but he didn’t respond. So I left him alone,” he said.

Ayinla took a direct jab at K1’s rising influence, stating that while K1 may hold a traditional title in Ijebuland, it doesn’t translate to dominance in the fuji music scene. “If he’s the head of the princes, that’s in his hometown. That doesn’t make him the head of fuji music. Does he want to be God?” he said, referencing one of K1’s own songs.

He went on to stress that his position in the fuji industry is unmatched. “When people ask who leads fuji music, in Nigeria or abroad, my name is the one they mention,” he asserted, adding that he is the highest authority in the genre and remains unshaken by any claims to the contrary.

Ayinla also reflected on his early days in music, recounting how he and the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister were both in the army when they decided to pursue fuji professionally. He noted that fuji music predated their careers, but they were instrumental in shaping and promoting the genre despite facing many challenges.

“Fuji existed before I started singing, but we gave it life. I suffered because of it, but we didn’t stop,” he said. “It was me and Sikiru that built fuji music from the ground up.”

He concluded by praising K1’s success but cautioned against self-proclaimed titles. “K1 is blessed, and he has the connections. But that doesn’t mean he should start calling himself number one. I remain the authority in fuji music — that is the truth.”