POPULAR Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, also known as Mr Johnson, has shared the reasons behind his move to America and his conversion from Islam to Christianity.
Ayuba’s initial move to the U.S. took place in 1995 during a three-month summer show with his band. However, political turmoil under the regime of the late military head of state, Sani Abacha, made it impossible for him to return to Nigeria.
Ayuba revealed that after releasing an album advocating for the freedom of political detainees, including the late Moshood Abiola, he received serious threats. This prompted him to extend his stay in the U.S. until Abacha died in 1998 when he finally returned to Nigeria to perform at the Benson and Hedges Concert.
During his extended stay in the U.S., Ayuba enrolled in school and completed the necessary documentation to become an American citizen. He also met his wife in America, marking a significant personal milestone.
“I left for America with my full band members in 1995 for a summer show and others. We came to America for about three months and then returned to Nigeria,” Ayuba shared. “I returned to Nigeria in 1998 when Abacha died. The three years I stayed in America were by the grace of God because he is a good planner.”
Ayuba noted that he performed only on weekends in the U.S., allowing him ample time during the week to pursue education and other activities.
In a candid interview with Teju Babyface the singer revealed that he converted from Islam to Christianity because he was inspired by the Bible verses, ‘Seek Him first’ and ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’.
He added that religion is a personal choice, saying he chose Christianity because he understands it and desires to be closer to God above all else.
“People claim Ayuba is a Muslim. Have they seen me in the mosque? If I were practising Islam, wouldn’t someone have noticed? Why is this an issue? Can they let me be? They say I should pray five times daily, but I’m not. My mother is an Alhaja, and although my father never went to Mecca, we practice Islam at home.”
He explained that his inability to pray in Arabic had long hindered his practice of Islam, often relying on clerics to pray on his behalf. Inspired by biblical verses, he found solace and happiness in Christianity, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Fuji star expressed disappointment with how Nigerians practice religion, stating that he was accused of tagging Muslims as killers.
He said: “My mother is an Alhaja, Would I call my mother a killer?
“To me, religion is akin to education. However, I chose Jesus Christ because he proclaimed, ‘I am the truth, the way, and the life.’ This is my personal choice, and it brings me happiness. He invites us to reach out to him exclusively. Many of my band members are Muslims, and we pray together. Would I reject their prayers in Arabic, believing they are cursing me?
“I prefer to worship where I feel closest to my God.”
Adewale Ayuba began his music career as a teenager, releasing his first album, “Ibere (Beginning),” in 1986. Now 59 years old, he is celebrated for his hit albums such as “Bubble,” “Turn Me On,” “Ijo Fuji,” and “Koloba Koloba.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media