By Seyifunmi Odunuga
It was a gathering of creme de la creme in the society on Sunday 23rd July when friends and well-wishers converged to celebrate the Fuji music Icon; Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle popularly called “Merenge”, who clocked 60 years.
The event, powered by friends and fans of the celebrant in the diaspora and declared open by the chairman, the planning committee, Agbaakin Ademola Adesigbin also witnessed a sermon from an Islamic cleric and a lecture delivered by a Professor of African History and African Diaspora Studies from Florida International University, Miami Florida USA, Prof. Saheed Aderinto.
Aderinto, the 2023 Dan David Prize (the largest History prize in the World) winner delivered a paper titled: “Lagos is the home of breakthrough-provided your destiny agrees; Ibadan and the making of Rasheed Ayinde Merenge. The 60th Birthday Anniversary Lecture of Alh. Rasheed Adekunle (Merenge).
Chairman of Extension Publications, Otunba Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka who chaired the occasion in his speech appreciated all dignitaries that took the time to attend the ceremony, describing the celebrant, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde as humble and a lovable person, this, he said is responsible for why his fans in Diaspora came from various destinations in the world to celebrate him.
The Extension Publication Boss however urged dignitaries present, especially the younger Fuji artists to imbibe humble disposition and emulate the good behavior of the celebrant so that people too can celebrate them in that way too.
He subsequently requested his favourite track from the many songs of Alhaji Merenge with sum of one million naira during the request-and-play segment.
In the same vein, the chairman planning committee, Agbaakin Ademola Adesigbin in his remarks said Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde is the only Fuji musician that upholds Ibadan’s fate because most people believed that if you want to get to stardom you must go to Lagos but Alhaji encouraged the likes of Alhaji Taye Currency, Paso Poly, Tiri Leather and host of others to hit the limelight.
Thereafter, Wives, children, family and friends took time to shower encomiums on the Fuji star, urging him not to relent in his good deeds.
Some fans and his daughter, Alimat Lawal requested some of his hit tracks which he performed to the delight of the dignitaries present.
The celebrant, in his vote of thanks, thanked all and sundry that contributed to the success of the occasion, as he specifically mentioned his fans in the Diaspora that gathered to celebrate him, stressing that no kobo of his money went into the party.
Popular broadcast journalist, Abdulrasaq Ganiyu popularly known as Mr G.R.A anchored the event, covered by Apreel1 Events TV.
