Saheed Osupa
| Saheed Osupa | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Saheed Akorede Okunola |
| Also known as | King of Fuji |
| Born |
1969 (age 46–47) Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Origin | Ajegunle, Lagos, Lagos State |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Labels |
|
Saheed Akorede Okunola (born c. 1969) better known by his stage name Saheed Osupa or King Saheed Osupa is a Nigerian Fuji musician, performer and film actor. His repertoire of Fuji music has won him several awards and honours.
Growing up
Saheed Osupa was born into a music-loving family in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State but grew up in Ajegunle, Lagos State.[1] His father, Moshood Ajiwere Layeye was a Wéré music artist and also an elder cousin to the legendary Fuji musician Ayinde Barrister. He cites the Ayinde Barrister as his music inspiration.[2]
Education
Saheed Osupa started his primary school education at Saint Mary’s Primary School, Ajegunle, Lagos and his secondary school education at Amuwo Odofin High School, Mile 2, Lagos where he graduated in 1987.[3] In 1992, he completed his National Diploma programme at The Polytechnic, Ibadan after studying Business Administration. He is also an alumnus of the American International College where he studied Networking Operations.[3]
Career
Fuji Music
Saheed Osupa started music professionally as a teenager in 1983. His rise to stardom came when his first album titled Fuji Fa Disco which was released through Alasco Films and Records was positively received among Fuji music lovers. He has went on to release over 28 studio albums including a 4-in-1 studio album titled Mr. Music, the first of its kind in the Nigerian music industry.[4] In 2008, Saheed Osupa was endorsed as the "King of Fuji Music" by Ayinde Barrister. He has been cited as a role model by both upcoming and popular Fuji artists including Muri Thunder and Kamoru Ishola.[5]
Hip hop music
On 20 December 2014, Saheed Osupa showed his musical versatility by releasing a hip hop single titled "Vanakula" which was produced by K-Solo.[6] On 13 April 2015, he released another K-Solo produced single titled "African Beauty" with vocal appearance from Yetunde Omobadan.[7] On 8 August 2015, he featured Seriki in another single titled "Womi" to massive radio airplays.[8]
On November 7, 2015, Saheed Osupa was listed in The NET's "Most Successful Nigerian musicians".[9] He is currently working on his debut hip hop studio album titled Lord of Music.[10][11]
Acting
Apart from music, Saheed Osupa is also a film actor and producer. He has starred in over 30 Yoruba films.
Rivalry with Wasiu Alabi Pasuma
Since Saheed Osupa and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma are major forces in the Fuji music scene, a rivalry between them has risen over the years.[12] Between 2010 and 2011, Saheed Osupa claimed there were several peace meetings that were called, but all to no avail.[13]
Discography
Selected singles
|
| ||
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | "Vanakula" | TBA |
| 2015 | "African Beauty" (Yetunde Omobadan) | TBA |
| "Womi" (Seriki) | TBA | |
Studio albums
- Fuji Fadisco
- Fuji Blues
- Fuji Demonstration
- Master Blaster
- Stainless Fuji
- Fuji Boggie
- Unbeatable
- Shuffle Solo
- Ovation
- Scores
- Hot Shot
- Advice
- New Edition (Shuffle Solo 11)
- Authentic
- Big Daddy
- Champion
- London Delight
- African Delight
- American Fuji Slide
- World Tour
- London Extra
- Respect and Reliable - 2 in 1
- Fuji Icon
- Reliable
- Endorsement - 3 in 1
- Mr. Music - 4 in 1
- Marriage Affair
- Barrybration
- Euro Splash
- Time Factor
- Impact
- The Main Man
- Capability
- Tested and Trusted - 2 in 1
- Guaranteed
- Lord of Music - 2 in 1
- Transparency and Transformation - 2 in 1
Selected filmography
- Eni Eleni
- Ero Sese Koowe
- Ese Mefa Laye
- Ose Maami
- Ashiru Ejire
- Onibara Ogunjo
- Iku Oba
- Igba Iwase
- Agbeere Oju
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | FIBAN Awards | Best Fuji Artist | Nominated |
| Yoruba Academy Awards | Best Musician in an Acting Role | Won | |
| 2015 | City People Entertainment Awards | Best Fuji Musician of the Year | Won |
| Nigerian Achievers Award 2015 | Best Fuji Music Artist | Nominated |
References
- ↑ Aramide, Pius (6 August 2011). "I am a self-made man – King Saheed Osupa". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Akinola, Sikiru (18 July 2015). "I USED TO HAVE STAGE-FRIGHT –SAHEED OSUPA". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- 1 2 Obatusin, Taiwo. "Saheed Osupa speaks on war in the house of Fuji". Nigeria Films. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ "'My fight with Pasuma is simply over supremacy' - Saheed Osupa". Ecomium Magazine. 30 December 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ↑ "Pasuma Wonder VS Saheed Osupa: Who is taking over Fujidom?". The Sun News. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Alash, Bob (23 December 2014). "New Music: King Saheed Osupa - Vanakula". Jaguda.com. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ "King Saheed Osupa – African Beauty Ft Yetunde Omobadan". NaijaBamBam. 13 April 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ "Saheed Osupa ft. Seriki – WOMI (prod. K-Solo)". NotJustOk. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Badmus, Kayode (7 November 2015). "NET SPECIAL: Most successful Nigerian musicians ever". Nigeria Entertainment Today. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Showemimo, Dayo (19 December 2014). "Saheed Osupa to drop debut hip hop single, 'VanaKula'". Nigeria Entertainment Today. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Timilehin, Ajagunna (27 November 2015). "Saheed Osupa unveils poster for new 2-in-1 album". Nigeria Entertainment Today. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ "MAN Ban: Saheed Osupa, Pasuma lock horns". The Sun Newspaper. 15 March 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ↑ Akintola, Lukmon (5 April 2014). "My grouse with Mosebolatan and Pasuma –Saheed Osupa". Daily Independent Newspaper. Retrieved 4 February 2016.