Interview

I Pushed Wheelbarrow To Survive – Pasuma

PasumaPopular Fuji musician Wasiu Alabi Odetola popularly known as Pasuma. Apart from releasing some hip-hop singles recently, plans are underway to celebrate his 30 years on stage by October. ORUKPE NELSON speaks with him.

By October, you will be celebrating your 30th anniversary on stage. How do you feel?

It was really great when we had my 25 years on stage. Now, we are celebrating my 30 years. I give thanks to God and I promise my fans that I will continue to make good music.

For the celebration, my manager, Afolabi Oyekoya and AO21 media, will take care of the activities and I can assure my fans that it will be a memorable moment.

How would you describe your romance with hip-hop music?

I think hip-hop is something that people have been waiting for me to explore fully. I felt this is the right time to really make something unique and let Nigerians know that I’m still very active in music. You know I’ve been around hip-hop for some time now. At present, I’ve dropped three singles titled ‘Abo,’ ‘Omoolope’ and ‘Oti clear.’ And before my hip-hop album is released, I plan to do more collaboration.

I also have a video for the first single ‘Abo’ directed by Clarence Peters.

Do we see you dropping fuji music for hip-hop?

No way, I won’t leave fuji. I’ll remain a fuji musician; I am just doing this to make myself stand out among other artistes and for my fans to have a feel of another part of me. People are already accepting the singles and there are demands for more.

Could you tell us some of the challenges you had to surmount?

As for me, the challenges were so much that I can’t even remember all at the moment.

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There were instances band members would suddenly tell you that they don’t want to play because you’ve not been paying them well. You would wait for them to come to shows endlessly.

I also remember cases when the vehicles transporting the instruments to the venue of an event would break down and it becomes difficult to get to the venue. Clients would be devastated and screamed at you.

Some will even ask for a refund, but hard work has taken us to this level and we thank God that things are now different.

People used to struggle to accept fuji music. What did you do to win the hearts of people?

We really didn’t do anything; we just kept doing what we do best. I pray to God that this was what I wanted to do and I stayed committed to the genre.

Tell us about your trying periods, a time you thought of quitting music.

Something happened in the 90s; I went to a show and it was scattered. My instruments were destroyed and most of my men were seriously injured. When I got back home, to be honest, I told myself that I would not return to fuji music again. But a very good brother, Nene Jamiu, encouraged me and even went as far as getting me new instruments. He also took care of my boys who were admitted in the hospital.

What could you have done if not music?

I can’t really say; I would probably have returned to school to continue my education.

How did you come about the name Pasuma?

The man that gave me the name said it’s a medicine that makes a weak person strong. It is more like a pain relieved drug. If you listen to my music, you would be relieved of your pains.

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How was growing up like those days?

My father used to be the general manager of a company at Apapa, while my mother was a trader. She was formerly an actress. We lived in a house popularly known as barracks in the modern Lagos. My childhood days were rough and tough. If you are born and bred in Mushin, you will understand where I am coming from. Your lifestyle can never be like the person in Lekki or Ajah. Then, when you meet a girl and you tell her you are from Mushin, she would completely turn her deaf ear towards you. My parents got separated when I was 10 years old. I was in primary four then.

How was it like living with a single parent?

My mother like I said was a trader and I used to help her hawk fried fish. There was a cinema close to our house and I used to carry fried fish there to sell.

At some point too, I sold Fan Ice products with bicycle. There was also a place in Mushin where I used to push wheelbarrow. I helped traders to convey their goods. I also worked as a bus conductor; we used to ply Mushin to Oshodi and Iyana-Ipaja to Agege.

Your story is touching. How did you really get into music?

I was inspired by the music of King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal. Then, he released an album ‘Talazo ‘84’ and I felt I could do more. I started my musical career when I was in secondary school. I would sing to my friends in school. After secondary school education, I ventured into music. Though my mum and dad wanted me to further my education, I settled for music.

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I started with performing at hotels. Later in 1993, a man asked me to come to the studio and do some recordings. I declined immediately because it was a new idea to me and I was afraid. He urged me to try, we signed an agreement and that led to my first album, ‘Recognition.’ I chose the name because I wanted people to identify me with fuji. After I returned from Mecca, I had my third album ‘Orobokibo’ and it was the breakthrough. I had my first award as the ‘Best Fuji Artiste of the Year.’ I got so many awards afterwards.

Are you married?

No, I am not. I had all my children out of wedlock. I tried to get married, but it failed. I would have married Ayo Adesanya when I wanted to settle down, but things didn’t work out. I used to see being single as part of enjoyment while I was younger. I didn’t really think about marriage, but I know I need it now. I see myself as a good father despite raising children by myself. I take good care of my children and I don’t play with their education and development.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

It all depends on my mood. I dress to be comfortable, but when I am going out for events, I often dress to attract attention because people want to see that you are looking good. I have people around who tell me what is trending or not.