Popular Fuji artiste, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi famously known as Pasuma or better still, Oganla Fuji, has attributed his success, wealth, fame and many other feats he has achieved in life to Almighty Allah and the power of prayer (Salat).
Speaking with Muslim News Entertainment on Friday at a reception organised to celebrate his 57th birthday, Pasuma said he doesn’t joke with his prayer despite his busy schedules, saying without it, human beings amount to nothing.
Pasuma was obviously responding to the remarks of Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, a.k.a MC Oluomo, in a widely circulated clip on social media, where he poured encomiums on Pasuma for his achievements and impact in the Fuji music industry, further urging him to be consistent in his Salat (prayer).
Speaking at the reception held on Friday by Dr. Bunmi Adekoya, popularly known as Mama Paso in Lagos, Alhaji Alabi Pasuma appreciated MC Oluomo for the subtle reminder, stressing that as a Muslim, he believes Salat is the key to success in life.
“I observe my Salat regularly because without it, we’re nothing in the sight of Allah. Many thanks to MC Oluomo for reminding me of the need to be consistent in praying. I’ll continue to pray always,” he told Muslim News, before his performance at the reception that was well attended by friends and fans, who paid glowing tributes to the Oganla of Fuji.
Muslim News findings showed that Pasuma has observed hajj (the fifth pillar of Islam) and Umrah (lesser Hajj) on several occasions. He has been a client of Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours, a private Hajj and Umrah tour operator that guides pilgrims on complete devotion to Allah.
Pasuma @57 praises Allah
“I look young and agile. There’s nothing I can offer to God except gratitude. In any situation you find yourself, always give thanks to God. If I am still like this at this age, it’s not by my power, nor might, but by the grace of the Almighty. I give all thanks to Almighty Allah,” he noted.
The Fuji maestro, who will be marking his 40 years on stage later this year on December 18, said he loves to remain his true self, humble and calm, without veering into controversies.
“I love to be myself always. I love to remain humble and calm. I am what people have known me to be. I’ll keep minding my business. That’s what keeps me going.”
Pasuma charged Nigerians to be optimistic of a greater nation.
He urged Nigerians to be prayerful and be cautious as the Gregorian year winds down.
“Let’s all be prayerful. Let’s look forward to a greater Nigeria because Nigeria will be great again.
“Let’s be mindful of our actions. Everyone should thread gently. This is December. May we all live to witness another year and extend good wishes to ourselves.”
I cherish his humility, Mama Paso praises singer
In a remark, the host, Hon. (Dr.) Bunmi Adekoya, otherwise known as Mama Paso expressed her admiration for Pasuma’s humility, saying she was willing to go any length for him because of his humility.
She said, “One thing I cherish about my son is his humility. It was the first thing I noticed about him when I met him, and I can go any length for him because of this quality of his.
“I remember I tell people not to call him in emergency situations because he might not answer the call. It’s not out of pride, but due to the fact that he might be busy on stage performing, and might be unable to answer any call. It’s the nature of his work.”
Mama Paso said, just as she did last year, she will be willing to host Pasuma’s birthday anniversary on a yearly basis.
She commended Pasuma’s 40 years of laudable achievements on stage, noting that it’s not an easy feat.
“Kudos to him. People who started after him are long gone. Alhamdulillah! He’s alive today. May he grow from glory to glory and from strength to strength. I see myself buying a house and Rolls Royce for his next birthday.”
Pasuma is very religious: Al-Hatyq boss
For his part, the CEO, Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours, Dr. Mutiu Adewale Badmus described Alhaji Alabi Pasuma as a very religious person, noting, “He always shows commitment to the rites whenever he is at Hajj and Umrah”.
Dr. Badmus who said the music star is a client of Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours, said Pasuma has been to Hajj and Umrah on several occasions with them.
“We’ve done a lot of things together. Whenever he’s traveling, we’re responsible for booking his ticket. I am also the Chairman/CEO Free Fly Travels. Anywhere he’s going around the world, I handle it,” he said.
“At Al-Hatyq too, he’s our customer. He has gone on Hajj and Umrah with us. I will tell you Alhaji Pasuma is a very religious person. Of course, everybody can see that in the manner he relates with the Alfas (clerics). Many of them have been with him since the beginning, which shows he must be doing something right for them to still stay with him.
“So, Alhaji Pasuma is a very religious person. He loves Islam and that’s why he preaches and reflects Islam in whatever he does. When he went to Hajj with us, he concentrated on his i’baadah and did everything with commitment. He did not do it for glamour. You can see it is coming from his heart. So, spiritually, I can say Alhaji is a very spiritual person, and he is somebody who does things with seriousness.”
Dr. Badmus sent his best wishes to Pasuma on his 57th birthday as well as his upcoming 40 years on stage, noting that the feat is not an easy one.
“He has been around for a very long time. Next month, he will be celebrating 40 years on stage. It’s not easy. That means he started since 1984. It’s been a very long time.
“Alhaji Pasuma is 57 years now, which means he started his music career at 17. I wish him all the best. I wish him many happy returns. I hope he’s going to celebrate 50, 60, 70 years on stage, in shaa Allah.”
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