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 of 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), 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. He said this 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 behaviour 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 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. Still, 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 praise on the Fuji star and urge him to continue 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.
In his vote of thanks, the celebrant thanked everyone who contributed to the occasion’s success. He specifically mentioned his fans from the Diaspora who gathered to celebrate him, emphasising that not a single cent of his money was used for the party.
Popular broadcast journalist Abdulrasaq Ganiyu, known as Mr G.R.A, anchored the event, covered by Apreel1 Events TV.
