By Alhaji Arems
When a voice like Abass Akande Obesere calls for calm, it’s more than nostalgia — it’s strategy. The veteran fuji star’s recent plea for unity among members of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), bloggers, and fans is a reminder that the genre’s growth depends more on spotlighting shows, sales, and culture than feeding social-media skirmishes.
Obesere, one of fuji’s most visible and controversial figures, urged industry stakeholders to tone down online feuds and focus instead on promoting the music and its performers. His remarks, seen as a response to recent spats that dragged fuji artists into negative headlines, highlight a growing concern over how digital culture shapes reputation — and revenue.
Over the years, fuji fanbases that once filled stadiums have migrated online, forming digital “armies” ready to defend their idols. But what was once healthy rivalry has, in some cases, turned toxic — with endless fan wars and viral confrontations overshadowing artistry. Across Nigeria’s broader music scene, these stan battles have amplified releases but also created noise that distracts from the music itself.
For a genre like fuji, which relies heavily on live shows, event sponsorships, and cultural storytelling, perception is everything. Brands, festival organisers, and international collaborators often take cues from media headlines and online sentiment. When fuji trends for feuds rather than artistry, it risks losing commercial opportunities that could bring the sound to new global audiences.
Positive publicity, on the other hand, pays dividends. Bloggers who feature new artists, fans who share performance clips, and promoters who highlight concerts help build the ecosystem that sustains fuji musicians on tour and in the studio. Studies on music marketing have shown that constructive coverage, not controversy, fuels sustainable attention and monetisation.
Still, rivalry has always been part of music’s DNA — from reggae to rap. Healthy competition can energise creativity. But when it morphs into trolling or targeted attacks, it becomes counterproductive. For fuji — a genre steeped in Yoruba tradition with a loyal older fanbase and a rising Gen Z following — balance is key: preserve dignity while adapting to the online world.
So, what does constructive promotion look like?
- Amplify show dates, ticket links, and highlight stage moments — not gossip.
- Run interviews or explainers that explore songs, lyrics, or production craft.
- Praise skill and performance, not personalities.
- Verify information before publishing; accuracy builds long-term trust.
- FUMAN should continue leading tone-setting efforts through proactive communication.
Obesere’s message is not a reprimand; it’s a roadmap. Fans and media, he says, are partners in the same journey. The true measure of loyalty today is not who shouts loudest online, but who buys tickets, streams songs, and shares credible, uplifting content.
If fuji’s next global chapter is to be written, it will be powered not by online brawls, but by artistry, unity, and stage energy.
Obesere’s ask is simple: stop fighting in public — promote fuji in plain sight. The music will do the rest.