Adewale Ayuba, the ace Fuji musician, has revealed why he relocated to America and converted to Christianity.
In a chat with Teju Babyface on Tuesday, Ayuba spoke about
his new life in the United States, his religion, and his music career.
He disclosed that he and his band member travelled to
America for their three-month summer show in 1995.
Ayuba said they could not return to Nigeria after their show
ended due to threats from Sani Abacha, the late military head of state.
The singer said he was threatened after he released an album
advocating for the freedom of political detainees, particularly the late
Moshood Abiola.
Ayuba said after Abacha’s demise, he returned to Nigeria to
perform at the Benson and Hedges Concert in 1998.
The singer said while in the US, he enrolled in school and
completed his documentation to become an American citizen. He said he also met
his wife in America.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Speaking about his decision to convert from Islam to
Christianity, Ayuba revealed that he was unable to pray in Arabic.
This, he said, prevented him from practising Islam, adding
that he would always invite clerics to pray on his behalf.
He also said he was inspired by verses from the Bible
quoting Jesus Christ as saying “He is the way, truth, and life”.
Ayuba said he prefers to worship where he “feels closest to
God,” adding that his choice to become a Christian “brings me happiness”.
“People claim Ayuba is a Muslim. Have they seen me in the
mosque? If I were practising Islam, wouldn’t someone have noticed,” he said.
“Why is this an issue? Can they let me be? They say I should
pray five times daily, but I’m not. My mother is an Alhaja, and although my
father never went to Mecca, we practice Islam at home.
“So, my name is Ayub, which is Job in the Bible. It’s not
that being a Muslim is good or bad. When I attempted to practice it, I had to
summon some Alfas to help me communicate with God because I didn’t understand
Arabic.
“I questioned whether I should continue despite all that God has done for me, needing others to intercede on my behalf.
“There isn’t an album of mine where I haven’t referenced
Muslim words. We all worship God. To me, religion is akin to education.
“I chose Jesus Christ because he proclaimed, ‘I am the
truth, the way, and the life’. This is my personal choice, and it brings me
happiness.
“Many of my band members are Muslims, and we pray together.
I was unable to attend Arabic school due to my profession. I prefer to worship
where I feel closest to my God.”
Ayuba began his music career as a teenager and released his
first album, ‘Ibere (Beginning)’ in 1986.
The 59-year-old singer is famous for albums such as
‘Bubble’, ‘Turn Me On’, ‘’Ijo Fuji’, and ‘Koloba Koloba’.
In 2015, Ayuba said the day he became a Christian was the
happiest day of his life.
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