With a career spanning four decades and still numbering, acclaimed Oluaye of Fuji music, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM1, the Mayegun of Yorubaland appears to be evolving into a more self-aware sexagenarian, now drawn towards social and cultural proclivities, Seunmanuel Faleye writes for Apples Bite Magazine.
More than ever, KWAM1, the fuji czar whose music already traverses three generations, is aware of the responsibility and value of the traditional title conferred on him, as the Mayegun of Yorubaland, by Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
He explained that with his title comes the responsibility to represent the Yoruba ethnicity decently, as such, he now gives his actions (and inactions) a second thought, before taking them.
“A lot has changed about me in recent times, since I became the Mayegun of Yorubaland. Things I’d hardly pay a second thought, or that I’d do or say freely in the past, I now consider carefully and look at things not just from the angle of my age, I also look at things from the angle of being a father and grandfather. Before I take decisions that affect the common good, I always remember, some people reposed their confidence in me to give me the title ‘Mayegun of Yorubaland’.
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KWAM1: The Evolution of a Self-Aware Sexagenarian
“Mayegun cannot fight, I am now more self-aware than I was at any point in my life. It has taken my freedom away, to an extent. I cannot even play hard anymore, with my playmates. It affects even my style of music too. I am now more aware that I have become a role model. For me, these responsibilities are the hallmark of old age for me. And I am grateful to providence for the privilege.
Recounting his bright-eyed days as a youth, Kwam1 recalled with nostalgia, when he clocked 39, and it felt like the world was under his feet, as he could not wait to join the league of quadragenarian.
“To God be the glory, in the next few months, I will be 65. I remember when I celebrated 39, I celebrated it so elaborately; then, I remember using the slogan ‘Big boys club keeps calling,’ at the time. I cannot believe that the young 39-year-old back then is now a grandfather. And now, the fear sets in, that someday, the light will fade, and I will be no more. And everything I ever labored for, including the assets I acquired will all be at the mercy of my children, to do what they please with it.
“While this calls for constant sober reflection, my mantra to live is to take every day as it comes, while I enjoy my life while I still have it. It is also expedient to prepare for grey days, as it is part of our lives circle,” the Mayegun of Yorubaland noted.
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Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
