The frosty relationship between Fuji music legend, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, and his former protégé, Alhaji Taye Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, has turned into an open feud leaving fans and insiders shocked. of the industry.
What was once a mentor-protégé relationship has become what appears to be an irreparable rift, with both sides now throwing subtle and overt jabs at each other.
The latest development occurred during Taye Currency's 50th birthday celebration. Known for his usual camaraderie and public displays of goodwill towards his colleagues, Pasuma surprised many by snubbing Ibadan maestro Fuji on his milestone birthday.
For weeks, there were rumors of unresolved tensions between the two, with sources claiming that efforts by Fuji music stalwarts, including King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1), to mediate peace had repeatedly met with a brick wall
While Pasuma's refusal to publicly acknowledge Taye Currency's 50th birthday appeared to be a calculated move, insiders suggest it may be his way of completely cutting ties with his former protégé.
The perceived slight was further amplified by Pasuma's silence on social media, a marked departure from his tradition of celebrating colleagues and trainees on their special occasions.
“Pasuma's silence is deafening,” said one industry source. “It's not just the birthday snub. This is a message, and it is loud and clear. “He’s done with Taye Currency and this is his way of letting everyone know.”
However, the drama does not end there. In what appears to be a tit-for-tat move, Taye Currency will reportedly boycott the much-awaited 40th anniversary celebration at the Pasuma stage, scheduled for today in Lagos.
The event, which is expected to attract eminent Nigerians and Fuji's musical elites, could suffer from the conspicuous absence of one of Pasuma's closest allies turned adversary.
“Taye Currency is willing to pay Pasuma back with his own currency,” a source close to the Ibadan Fuji maestro revealed. “For him, respect is reciprocal. If Pasuma thinks he can ignore it at such a crucial moment, then he should expect no less in return.”
The dispute between the two Fuji powers is the culmination of weeks of simmering tension that reportedly began with a “war of words” and has now come to light.
While the exact cause of their breakup is still unclear, speculation is rife that underlying jealousy and unresolved grievances have fueled the animosity.
Industry heavyweights and fans alike have expressed dismay at the public fallout, calling for an end to the bitterness that threatens to overshadow his contributions to the Fuji music genre.
Some insiders fear that if the dispute continues unchecked, it could upset the harmony within Fuji's music circle, which thrives on collaborations and mutual support.
As the curtain rises on Pasuma's 40 Years on Stage event, all eyes will be on whether Taye Currency makes a surprise appearance or stays away as expected.
What is certain, however, is that the once vibrant camaraderie between these two Fuji titans has turned into a disturbing rivalry, a rivalry that leaves fans and observers wondering if peace will ever reign again.
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