COSON MOURNS SIKIRU AYINDE BARRISTER

Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has learnt with sadness the passing on of the great fuji icon and “fuji garbage” exponent, Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Balogun better known as Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister who was reported to have died in London today, December 16, 2010 after an illness.

A founding member of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). Barrister who began singing very early in life was a leading creator of fuji brand of music, a combination of juju, apala and traditional Yoruba blues, which he introduced in the late 1970s.

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister attended Yaba College of Technology, Yaba in 1961 before securing employment as a stenographer. He however served in the army during the civil war in Nigeria between 1967 and 1970.

During his lifetime, Barrister recorded so many ground breaking hit songs which are reference points for today's young artistes.

Former PMAN President and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji described the death of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister as another big loss of a great songwriter, dedicated musician and a great showman. He will be greatly missed.