Ayinde Barrister started playing music at a young age as an
ajiwere singer during the period of
Ramadan; he continued playing music in between various jobs. He worked as a typist for
Nigerian Breweries and was later enlisted as a clerk in the
Nigerian Army during the
Nigerian Civil War.
Music career In 1966, Ayinde Barrister released his first LP record. At the time, he regularly played with his band at events around
Ebute Meta and Lagos, mostly for Muslim clients. He initially released records under the label African Songs Ltd before starting his own label, Siky-Oluyole Records. The LP's released under African Songs include
Ile Aiye Dun Pupo/Love in Tokyo (India Sound) (1976) and
Isimillahi (1977). By the early 1980s, Ayinde Barrister and Fuji music had become accepted by all religions in the country. He went on to release several albums under his label, including
Iwa (1982),
Nigeria (1983),
Fuji Garbage (1988) and
New Fuji Garbage (1993). His later works included the popular album
Reality (2004). In 1982, he had a publicised feud with fellow fuji singer,
Ayinla Kollington. Ayinde Barrister had a couple of successful shows in London in 1990 and 1993 performing what later became known as the Fuji Garbage sound.
Musical style His fuji music is a blend of earlier traditional musical genres such as
Apala, Sakara, Awurebe and others. With Fuji music, Ayinde Barrister revolutionised traditional Yoruba music while still projecting values of good behaviour, respect for elders and the struggles against life's forces. He often used his music as a tool for commentary on issues of national concern, particularly politics. He was also known for his praise-singing skills.
Awards Ayinde Barrister received several awards during his lifetime and music career. In 1983, he was awarded an honorary PhD in music by the
City University of Los Angeles. He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the
Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President
Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006. ==Selected discography==