Scandal-free Fuji music star, Dr. Adewale Ayuba, aka Ayuba or Mr. Johnson, has too many interesting things about him that you will love. And in YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine’s characteristic style, here are 15 of them, which we are sure will blow your mind:
1. He was born on May 6, 1966 – and that means he’s joined the Golden Club.
2. He hails from the same town with the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo – Ikenne, Ogun State. In fact, his second album, Igida, was a tribute to the ex-Premier of Western Region.
3. He started singing at the age of 8, taking part in local music competitions, but under the strict supervision of his parents.
4. His debut album, Ibere, which means the beginning, was released while he was only 17 years old. And since them, he has neither relented nor rested.
5. In 1991, he released his fourth album entitled Bubble and thus his career was immeasurably transformed. Transporting him to the front row and altering the course of his life for good and forever too.
6. He calls his brand of Fuji music Bonsue. A name he got from his mother who used to tease him with ‘bobobobonsue’ for being so forgetful whenever he was sent on errands.
7. So far, he has released 26 albums. And among them are Fuji Time, Fuji Music, Fuji Dub, Bonsue Knockout, Ife, Mr. Johnson Play For Me, Buggle D, Ariya, Sugar, Turn Me On, Formular, Acceleration, Move Up …
8. He was the last born of his parents and as such was well pampered.
9. He read Finance at Queensborough Community College, New York, USA. But before that, he had attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, in Ogun State. He also has a diploma in Law from the University of Lagos.
10. Bradley University, equally in USA, decorated him with a honorary doctorate of Music degree for his musical exploits.
11. Three of his albums – Bubble, Ijo Fuji and Mr. Johnson Play For Me – attained the Platinum Status in terms of sales.
12. Ayuba is the only Fuji musician that has won KORA Awards twice. He also has over 30 other awards, both from home and abroad, decorating his shelves.
13. He relaxes by watching television.
14. Interestingly, in spite of being into music, he doesn’t go to nightclubs!
15. He is married to an Igbo woman named Azuka and they have four children. His wife is from the popular Kwentoh family in Onitsha, Anambra State. They met while schooling in America.