K1 De Ultimate

There are artists who come along occasionally and create a spark, and then there are those who trailblaze a new era; K1 sits boldly atop this second list. At a point when Fuji music was beginning to become the language for settling scores as it had become more frequent to hear performers throw insults or subliminals at each other through songs, other genres were fast catching up. The likes of ‘Juju’ was providing a worthy substitute and Fuji needed to evolve or be left behind. For Ayinde Marshall, modernising the craft was a mission he set to achieve, leaving a long-lasting impact on the culture was one he duly implemented. He released his debut album, titled, ''Iba'' in 1979 shortly after stepping out of the shadows of the giant that was Barrister, and even though it brought him into limelight especially with the stand out single, 'Abode Mecca', It wasn't until four years later when he released the album, ''Talazo,'' his most seminal work and a game changing project, that his career began to carve a distinct path. The hit single 'Talazo Fuji' ushered in a vibrant, electrifying, urbane and fresh sound that appealed to the very young and altered the reception towards Fuji music at the time. While familiar, the heavy infusion of piano and strings made this unique, a sound quite unlike what had ever been heard of before. The album won him numerous awards and national titles.