Why I like singing Fuji music - Catholic Priest (Father Fuji)

Father Fuji

Reverend Father Segun Adelana is a Catholic priest who sings Fuji music better than most Fuji artistes in Nigeria.

The Ogun State-born singing preacher with four albums to his credit, in this chat with SHOWBIZPLUSng told us the interesting story of how he found himself singing Fuji and using morally conscious music to propagate the gospel of Christ.

Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Segun Adelana, I am from Ogun State, and I’m a Catholic Priest and a musician.

When did you start music?

I started music from an early age. From my days as a child I have always been involved in music. I started from the church choir where I got to learn how to play some music instruments. I learnt a lot about music during my early days in the choir.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Ogun State and I also grew up in Ibadan. My early days were at Ibadan. I had my primary education at Saint Andrews Primary School in Ogun State, my secondary school at Obanta Comprehensive High School and Oke Are Minor Seminary in Ibadan before going on to attend All Saints Major Seminary in Uhiele, Ekpoma, Edo State.

You started music at an early age, why didn’t you go ahead to study music?

I had the calling to be a priest, which is why I went ahead to become a priest. Though at an early stage I thought about being a musician, but it faded away quickly because I was quite young at that time.

Did your parents agree to you becoming a priest?

My mum actually supported me. She was one of the people who wanted me to become a priest. My mum was an Anglican before converting to Catholic. My dad was not a Christian at all.

Tell us about your family, how many children did your parents have?

My parents have five children. We are two boys and there are three girls. I am the last child of the family.

 

When did you start music professionally?  

I think I started music professionally after I finished from the seminary. I had my first album in 2004 and since then I have been doing music professionally.

Why did you choose to do Fuji?          

I think I chose Fuji because of these three reasons. First, I chose to do Fuji because it is the best genre of music I could think of as an instrumentalist that will give me that leverage to be good at what I’m doing. Secondly, I chose Fuji because I understand that God is inspiring something new in the society. I understand that the message of God should be coming in ways that many people can understand. God wants us to reach his people. Then thirdly, I think we need a change in the gospel music industry.  We can’t be doing gospel music the same way for over a long period of time. We need change in this industry, so I decided to bring change myself by being unique.

How did you get the name Father Fuji?

It was while I was recording my first album in 2004. It was in this studio in Ogba, Lagos. One night after recording I went home and the producers were about naming the CD they burned my songs into. After cracking their heads and none of them could come up with a name, one of them wrote Father Fuji on the album without consulting me. The producers were John Onukpaya, with Peter and Paul. When I came back I was surprised, I was asking them what is Father Fuji. They even sold the whole Fuji idea to me also. While I was starting, I was doing all types of music, but after recording some of the songs, they told me that my Fuji songs sounded better and that I should stick with it, I thought about it and agreed. So they gave me the name Father Fuji and before I knew it, the name was everywhere. That was how the name stuck with me.  

Do you do strictly gospel with your Fuji music?

I don’t sing about gospel alone. I also sing and talk about messages that have to do with morals and how to be good in the society. I don’t talk about God alone, I talk about life in general.

How many albums do you have now?

I have three albums and about to release the fourth. My first album was in 2004, and the title wasIkpolondo meaning call. The second one was entitled Matiraka which came after eight years. The third one is Alake at 70 which I used to appreciate and celebrate the paramount ruler of Egba land. Then I just released this fourth one I have entitled Appreciation which I’m using to appreciate our Bishop, Most Revered Dr. Fasina

Why did it take you long to release your second album after the first one?

During those eight years I was very busy and engaged doing a lot of work for the church. I was sent on courses by the church so I could not concentrate to release another album again. I will however add that during those eight years, I was still doing live shows and was still being invited for performances.

What has been the response from the leadership of Catholic, to have a priest that sings Fuji?

To be honest with you, they have been really supportive. My Bishop, Revered Doctor Albert Ayinde Fasina has been really supportive of my career. I get invitations to perform at different parishes during their thanksgivings, harvests or any celebrations. We were taught music in the Seminary, so we have been trained to do anything we want to do. I have always been somebody who knows how to do things differently. I remember a time while I was in the seminary. I was the music director and it was time for the Christmas Carol. It was called Christmas Carol but when it was time for me to organize for that year, I announced that it was not going to be called Christmas Carol again, but Christmas Music Cantata. Many didn’t want the name to be changed but I insisted and that edition turned out to be the best in the history of the seminary. This is why I went into Fuji so I would be able to do something different.

Apart from your church, did you get invitations to outside ceremonies?

Of course I do. I have been invited to play in naming ceremonies, weddings, birthdays. I have gotten invitations to play in events that were organized by non-Catholics and non Christians.

Do you have a band?

Of course I do. I have a complete band.

Are all the members of your band, Catholics too?

Not all. They are Christians but some are non Catholics.

Do you have a parish you manage?

No, I don’t. For now I am a resident priest in a parish.

As a musician, how do you deal with advances from women and also handle other vices in the music industry?

I have not had any problem with women. I handle them fine. They appreciate my music and I appreciate them also. That is that. The way I portray myself as a priest will not even allow any woman with any other intensions to come near me. Women have been supportive to me. I would also want to add that The Catholic Women Organization has been a pillar of support in my music career. We call them the CWO and they have been very good to me. If they want to do anything that requires the services of a musician, I am number one on their list. They have been a blessing to me.

Do you have any intention to collaborate with other artistes?

Off course I do. I performed at an event where I met K1 The Ultimate. I hope to do collaborations with him and some Hip-hop artistes as well. No man is an island; I would want to collaborate with anyone that can help me and my career. It is not a sin. I will still be preaching the love of God and the message of peace and love. That is it.