Akeem Lasisi
Fans of legendary fuji musician, Kollington Ayinla, are bubbling with excitement and great expectations as he is set to release a new album titled ‘Anu-Nla’.
They are eager to listen to what he has in store even as some of them are expecting their trust that he will not disappoint them.
Kollington is over 70 years old now but he still performs at events while he released ‘Baba Be’ about three years ago.
He gave a good account of himself in the work: intoxicating beat, contemporary issues and his ever constantly melodious voice.
Some of the fans hope he will sing about the socio-economic issues confronting Nigeria, based on his antecedents.
Kollington is one of the most socially conscious musicians that Nigeria has produced.
That is why national issues such as Second Tier, free and fair election, June 12 struggle and teachers’ welfare echo in his many albums.
Even in ‘Baba Be’ (the Father in the House, kind of), he heavily comes down on xenophobic souls in South Africa.
Of course, based on the title, ‘Anu-Nla’ (Great Mercy), his recovery from his recent health challenge is likely to be a major subject in the album.
Announcing the coming of ‘Anu-Nla’ in a Facebook post, a leading fan of the Ilota, Kwara State-born musician, Aperun Lookman, says:
“Having spent a few years off the scene, maybe sipping palm wine and reflecting on life, Kollington is gearing up to drop what fans are already calling the “banger of the year.” The man who practically wrote the book on Fuji music is back, and he’s bringing all the lyrical fire, rhythmic wizardry, and, let’s face it, wisdom that only decades in the game can provide. The album’s title suggests Kollington is feeling blessed—and if history is anything to go by, listeners are about to feel that mercy too, served up with a healthy dose of social commentary and beats you can’t resist.”
The great feeling is echoed by Tanimonure Richard Adewale, who also croons: “One thing about Baba, that I am very sure about, is that he won’t disappoint when the album drops. There will be bombshells. An outlook and voice out on the nation with the masses in mind will surely come forward. Beautiful fuji grooves will serenade and jiggle the body deliciously. Great words of wisdom will spice it nicely. Baba will prove that once a hitmaker, always a hitmaker still.”
