K1 De Ultimate

Biography

Wasiu Omogbolahan Olasunkanmi Adewale Ayinde Marshal (born 3 March 1957), known professionally as K1 De Ultimate, is a Nigerian Fuji musician. He popularised a brand of the genre based on the work of its creator, Ayinde Barrister, known as "Talazo Fuji".

Background

Marshal developed an interest in music when he was eight. His parents initially opposed, but he continued to pursue his passion and by the time he was 15, he had won several local musical competitions. He later became a member of Ayinde Barrister's band, the Supreme Fuji Commanders, from 1975 to 1978 after previously serving as an instrument packer. He also adopted the name of Ayinde after seeking the permission and blessing of his mentor, Ayinde Barrister. He released his first album titled Iba which included the track "Abode Mecca" in 1980, and thereafter, his most successful album Talazo '84 in 1984. He has received many titles and music awards.

Music career

Marshal began his international tour between North America and Europe in 1986 and performed at Hammersmith Town Hall in 1987, followed by New York City, with the full Talazo Band on 28 September 1990. Subsequent tours included London Yuppie 1 & 2 Nights (1991-1992), a European tour in 1995, Berlin in 1997, North America in 1998, Canada in 2000, and a USA tour in 2003. He has continued touring annually since then. In 1995, he gave the first Fuji performance at WOMAD Festival, and he has also performed at Troxy, WOMEX and SOB's.

Accolades and recognition

Badabarawu of Ogijo in 1985
Ekerin Amuludun of Ibadanland in 1986
Golden Mercury of Africa Title in 1986
Honoris Causa of Music at Saint John University Bakersfield California USA in 1989
Crowned as King of Fuji (Oluaye Fuji Music) at NTA Ibadan in 1993
The Oluomo of Lagos by King Adeyinka Oyekan of Lagos in 1999
On Monday, 13 January 2020, he was installed by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as the first Mayegun of Yorubaland
Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by President Muhammad Buhari on 11 October 2022
Crowned Olori Omooba of Akile Ijebuland on 26 September 2023 by King Sikiru Adetona Awujale of Ijebuland and in the same month was installed as Otunba Fidipote Mole of Fidipote dynasty

Controversy

ValueJet incident
In August 2025, Marshal was removed from a ValueJet flight after a confrontation over a flask suspected to contain alcohol. He obstructed the aircraft's taxiing and was briefly placed on a no-fly list. He later apologised, stating the flask contained water for medical reasons.