Veteran Fuji singer, Adewale Ayuba, has opened up on how he almost gave up his interest in music to explore lecturing in the United States of America.
Ayuba recalled traveling to US with his band for their three-month summer show in 1995, but being unable to return to Nigeria due to threats from late military head of state, Sani Abacha.
Speaking in a chat with Teju Babyface, the music star revealed that he was threatened by the military government after he released an album advocating for the freedom of political detainees, particularly the late MKO Abiola.
Ayuba said during his three years in the US, he enrolled in school, became an American citizen and contemplated pursuing a career in academics.
He said; “I left for America with my full band members in 1995 for a summer show and others. We came to America for about three months and then returned to Nigeria.
“I returned to Nigeria in 1998 when Abacha died. The three years I stayed in America were by the grace of God because he is a good planner.
“When I was in America, I realised that I could only perform shows on weekends. My Mondays to Fridays were free. So, I enrolled in school. That was where I met my wife.
“After that, I took part in a lot of activities. Doing so was like building another foundation in America. That was not easy. From there, I completed my documentation and became an American citizen.
“I don’t see myself continuing in Fuji music, I believe I have done well. This is America, there’s more to explore in life, trusting that God has a plan”.
Asked if truly he almost lost interest in Fuji music, Ayuba said; “True, true true, particularly the kind of genre that I met myself singing Fuji. I’ve started developing a kind of interest in my education. From day one, if anybody asked me what would I wanted to become in life, I would love to become a lecturer or teacher. I can’t lie to you.
“I was thinking if I finished my bachelor’s degree, I would go for my master, and P.hD to be a lecturer. I don’t want the level of being a Fuji musician, I believe I’ve done well, and I’m OK, this is America, let me choose another line.”
