Thursday, 27th of July, 2023, will continue to linger in the memories of the fuji music Icon, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle, popularly called Merenge, his family and the planning committee of Merenge @ 60, for the success of his 60th birthday celebrations.
The epoch-making event started on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, at the Bolad Events Centre, Akala Motorway, when his fans in the Diaspora gathered in all-white attire to celebrate the Fuji music icon.
The event, powered by friends and fans of the celebrant in the Diaspora, was declared open by the Chairman, Planning Committee, Agbaakin Ademola Adesigbin. It also featured a sermon from an Islamic cleric and a lecture by Saheed Aderinto, a Professor of African History and African Diaspora Studies from Florida International University in Miami, Florida, USA.
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).
The Chairman of Extension Publications, Otunba Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka,, who chaired the two occasions, in his speech, appreciated all dignitaries that took time to attend the ceremony, describing the celebrant, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde as a humble and lovable person. He said this was responsible for why his fans in the Diaspora came from various destinations worldwide to celebrate him.
The Extension Publication boss, however, urged dignitaries present, especially the younger Fuji artists, to imbibe a humble disposition and emulate the celebrant’s good behaviour so that people could also celebrate them in that way.
During the request-and-play segment, he paid one million naira for his favourite track from Alhaji Merenge’s many songs.
In the same vein, the Chairman, Planning Committee, Agbaakin Adesigbin, in his remarks, said Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde is the only fuji musician who 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, Alhaji Tajudeen System, Kanmi Jackons, David Ayinde and a 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 of his fans and 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 had gathered to celebrate him, emphasising that none of his money was used for the party.
The popular broadcast journalist Abdulrasaq AbdulGaniyu, Mr G.R.A, anchored the event.
On Thursday, 27th of July, 2023, Hall of Grace, Jogor Events Center was filled to the brim with the creme de la creme in society, movers and shakers in the fuji music industry, fans from the Diaspora, business stakeholders and a host of others converged together in “Aso Ebi” attire for the grand finale of the celebration.
Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello delivered a lecture followed by the introduction of dignitaries anchored by Aborisade. Subsequently, Olori Omo”ba Akile Ijebu, the Marshal of King Wasiu Ayinde, took the stage with his band boys to impress the dignitaries present at the event, showcasing his unique skills and captivating the audience.
Meanwhile, the fuji icon, Alhaji Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle (Merenge), has praised the CEO of Kayrom Lee, saying, “I am grateful to Ambassador Ramat Romoke Ayinde, the Iyalaje Adini of Oyo State, for the cake donation for the event.”
Merengue then urged other well-meaning women to emulate Amb’s good gesture. Ayinde stressed, “Iyalaje Adini of Oyo State has been a pillar of sports, entertainment and humanity.”
While speaking with Reporters At Large, the Fuji music legend Alhaji Kolington Ayinla, Alhaji Tajudeen System, Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Wasiu Haruna Ishola, Kanmi Jackson, and many others showered encomium on the Fuji icon and prayed for his long life.
Alhaji Gboyega Lawal Wale Lawal (Baba Promo) and Aborisade anchored the event while the event was covered by Apreel1 Events TV.
