By Alhaji Arems
When Ibadan Loni Fuji finally dropped on September 30, 2025, it wasn’t just another Fuji release — it was history, rhythm, and pride rolled into one anthem. Running for 27 minutes and 36 seconds and now streaming across platforms, the project captures the heartbeat of a city that birthed some of Fuji’s most powerful voices.
Earlier this year, during Ibadan Week 2025, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), led by Barrister (SAN) Ajeniyi Ajewole and Magaji Moshood Akere, decided that the annual celebration needed something that would outlive the festivities — a cultural time capsule for Ibadan.
That decision birthed Ibadan Loni Fuji — a unifying project designed to celebrate Ibadan through the genre that helped define its identity. Instead of spotlighting one act, CCII assembled an all-star lineup of Ibadan’s Fuji heavyweights: Ayinde Rasheed, Ayinla Karachi, Obesere, Saheed Osupa, Taye Currency, Askari, and Muri Thunder.
To shape the sound and message, CCII enlisted Prince Ademola Adelakun, a prolific songwriter, composer, and producer known for blending tradition with modernity. He composed and structured the entire record, stitching together each artist’s verse, idea, and melody into one cohesive anthem.
Every performer brought something unique — Obesere’s charisma, Osupa’s lyrical depth, Currency’s texture, and Muri Thunder’s intensity — yet Prince Ademola ensured it all flowed seamlessly. The result? A cultural masterpiece that feels less like a collaboration and more like a collective declaration.
Though Ibadan Loni Fuji was meant to debut during Ibadan Week, logistics delayed its release until September. But when it finally dropped, the impact was immediate. Each artist shared it on their platforms, while CCII reaffirmed that the anthem belongs not to one person, but to Ibadan itself.
It’s rare for a Nigerian city to have its own anthem — not sponsored by government or brands, but by citizens and artists united by heritage and pride. Ibadan Loni Fuji achieved just that.
Beyond its melody, the anthem is a cultural reminder — celebrating the city that shaped Fuji’s raw energy, storytelling, and rhythm. In an era where the genre continues to evolve, Ibadan Loni Fuji grounds listeners in the markets, parades, and timeless Yoruba sounds that define Ibadan’s musical soul.
It’s not nostalgia — it’s affirmation. A declaration that Ibadan remains vibrant, creative, and central to Fuji’s enduring story.
Ibadan Loni Fuji belongs to a city, not an individual. From CCII’s vision to Prince Ademola’s direction and the voices of Ibadan’s Fuji greats, it’s proof that when tradition meets unity, the result can still move generations.
🎥 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/vKQGOZOZUG4?si=9I5jEz85fg7ZKcMA