Saheed Osupa
Fuji musician and the creator of the Hip Fuji genre.
Personal Details
Name:	Saheed Akorede Babatunde Okunola
Born:	7 August 1969 (age 57 years old)
Place of birth:	Ajegunle, Lagos State, Nigeria
Nationality:	Nigerian
Parents:	Moshood Ajiwere Layeye (father) Taibatu Abeni Olatokunbo Adelanwa (mother)
Education:	Political Science
Alma mater:	University of Ibadan
Occupation:	Musician, film actor, entrepreneur
Instrument:	Vocals
Genre:	Fuji
Spouse:	Azeezat Morenikeji Ayinke Olabisi Muinat Yusuf
Children:	8

Early Life

Saheed Osupa was born on 7 August 1969 in Mosafejo, Ajegunle, Lagos State, Nigeria. His father, Moshood Ajiwere Layeye, was a Wéré music artist. He grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State. His siblings, include Adiat, Tawakalitu, Dolapo, Okanlawon and Ramotu.

Education

Osupa attended St. Mary’s RCM School in Abukuru, Ajegunle, Lagos, and graduated from Amuwo Odofin High School in Mile 2, Lagos. He obtained a National Diploma in Business Administration from The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 1992.

He also studied Networking Operations at the American International College. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, graduating with Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

Career

Osupa released his debut album, “Fuji Fa Disco”, in 1992, followed later by “Fuji Blues”. Fuji pioneers, including Moshood Okunola, Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, and Sunny Ade, influenced his music. He dropped the 4-in-1 studio album “Mr Music” in 2008.

In 2008, Ayinde Barrister crowned him the “King of Fuji Music”, reflecting his impact on the industry. He has released over 40 chart-topping albums and has more than 10,000 live performances in Nigeria and abroad.

Osupa released the hip-hop single “Vanakula” produced by K-Solo on 20 December 2014. He also featured Yetunde Omobadan in the single “African Beauty” in April 2015 and Seriki in another single “Womi”, in August 2015.

In June 2016, he released his first hip-fuji album “Non-Stop”. He has also appeared in many Yoruba films, including Ese Mefa Laye, Ashiru Ejire, Eni Eleni, Alukoro, and Olokiki Oru. He founded a paint production company, Brilliant Coat Limited.

Osupa has received many accolades, including the Nigerian Music Award for Best Fuji Artist. He also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City People Entertainment Awards and won the 2013 Yoruba Academy Awards for Best Musician in an Acting Role.

Osupa was nominated for the 2015 Nigerian Achievers Award 2015 for Best Fuji Music Artist and the FIBAN Awards for Best Fuji Artist. In 2019, he won Best Fuji Musician of the Year at the Yoruba Image International Awards.

The veteran singer received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Intellectual Music from his alma mater, the University of Ibadan (UI). In 2024, he was also recognised as Oba Afededara of Yoruba Land by Lagos State University (LASU).

Music Rivalry with Wasiu Alabi Pasuma

Osupa was in a music rivalry with fellow fuji singer Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. He released 10 diss records addressing their feud. The Fuji musicians have ended their rivalry and rekindled their friendship.

In August 2023, Osupa visited Pasuma at his home in Omole, Lagos.

Personal Life

Osupa has two wives, Azeezat Morenikeji Ayinke and Olabisi Muinat Yusuf. He has eight children, including six sons and two daughters. His son, Quadri Akanni Olatokunbo Okunola, is currently serving in the US military.

His mother passed away on Tuesday in 2009, at the age of 70