FAYEMI, OYINLOLA, ROLLING DOLLAR, NOLLYWOOD STARS MOURN
•Fayemi
Painful reactions, lamentations and tributes have continued to pour in for Fuji music maestro, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, who succumbed to the cold hands of death in a London hospital, yesterday.
Fayemi
The death of Alhaji Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Balogun a.k.a Barrister as a 'big loss to the Nigerian nation in general and the entertainment industry in particular'.
Governor Fayemi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mojeed Jamiu, said the late music maestro used his music to reform the society and offer counsel to the government on key policies and national issues.
He also described Ayinde Barrister's transition as 'one death too many' coming at a time Nigerians are still mourning the deaths of many of its prominent citizens said the present moment in the nation's history seriously calls for a sober reflection.
Fayemi said the vacuum left behind by the artiste will be difficult to fill noting that the deceased turned Fuji music from a local Yoruba genre to an international brand enjoyed all over the world.While regretting that the musician did not live to ripe old age, Fayemi said he derived consolation from the fact that the deceased touched many lives positively while taking his music to many parts of the world.
Oyinlola
Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has described the death of Fuji Musician, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister as a big loss to the country.
Prince Oyinlola in a statement on Thursday said the death of the Music giant had left the nation poorer just as it had robbed the entertainment industry of one of its pillars.
While sending his condolence to the family of the deceased, Prince Oyinlola prayed God to grant the soul of the dead Aljanah Firdaus.
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Okoroji
Chief Tony Okoroji, former President PMAN, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria. I have received with deep sadness the death of Fuji music maestro, the great Alhaji Ayinde Barrister. Ayinde Barrister was a towering performer and an exceptional artiste who through his creative genius turned what was a simple religious music form into one of the most infectious popular music styles in Nigeria over the last several decades. On the personal level, 'Alhaji Agba' was a very pleasant and warm person with a joke for everyone.
It will be very difficult to console the hundreds of thousands of very passionate and diehard fans of 'Barrister' but they should take solace in the fact that Alhaji Ayinde Barrister did not only leave behind hundreds of hit songs, he left a new generation of Fuji music exponents who will keep the flag flying. The great Ayinde Barrister will be greatly missed not just by me but by the entire music industry in Nigeria. A giant of the music profession is gone.
Zack Orji, top Nollywood actor
What a pity, it's very sad news you are just telling me. He was one Fuji maestro that I used to enjoy a lot. It's a pity that he has passed away, my condolences to his family and the entire music industry. I enjoyed and will continue to enjoy his brand of Fuji music. May his soul rest in peace and his music continue to play for all lovers of his brand of performance.
Ken Calebs,
Guv'nor, Niteshift Coliseum
Oh my God! This is certainly a huge loss to the entertainment industry, a real big loss. He was an icon, who came and left an indelible mark in the entire industry. May his soul rest in peace and may God give the family the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
Fatai Rolling Dollars
My son, I heard the sad news this afternoon (yesterday) and was devastated for the remaining part of the day. I'm still mourning because the last time I spoke with Barrister, few weeks ago, he told me he would be coming back early January. But look at what has happened now, we cannot question God, but it's quite painful. What can we do? God will surely grant his gentle soul eternal rest.
Sam Kargbo, CEO, SKP Productions
This is no doubt a big loss to the entire music industry. He was an icon who comported himself very well within and outside the music industry. The good thing was that he lived a good life and richly promoted our indigenous music, even beyond our shores. My family and SKP, pray God to grant his soul eternal rest. He was a role model and serious minded musician that impacted heavily on the industry, especially the youths. His death is a national loss and must be seen as such. We pray God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. His death has also depleted the veterans' fold in the industry.
Stephanie Okereke
Stephanie Okereke, top Nollywood actress/filmmaker.
What a loss, it hurts so much loosing such an icon to the cold hands of death at this time of the year. But my joy is that he left a lasting legacy, especially for young musicians. I pray God to give the family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Orits Williki
Orits Williki, foremost musician and Chairman, Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria
We lost a father, role model and mentor, whom I had a very personal and cordial relationship with. He was full of fatherly love and that is what most of us have started missing. All the same, we give God the glory because nobody lives forever. He will be greatly missed by all of us and may his soul rest in peace.
Agbekoya
The President General, Chief Aremu Okikiola Kamorudeen, sympathized with the family of the late Musician, Yoruba land in General and Performing Musician Association of Nigeria on the demise of the Fuji Music Creator. He praised the Late Fuji Musician for propagating and promoting the Yoruba culture, tradition and heritage.
He said, late Alhaji Barrister lived and put his footprints on the sand of times.