By Fawaz Adebisi
Fuji music fans are now praying for the speedy recovery of one of the genre’s pioneers, Kollington Ayinla, who is reportedly fighting for his life in a hospital.
It was gathered that the 75-year-old musician, also known as Baba Alatika, Kebe-n-Kwara, and Baba Alagbado, has been ill for over a week and is receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja.
According to reports, sources close to the family said that Kollington’s condition had worsened and he had to be put on oxygen.
However, they did not reveal the cause of his illness or the prognosis.
Kollington is regarded as one of the most influential and prolific fuji artists in Nigeria, having released over 50 albums since the 1970s. He rose to fame alongside his late friend and rival, Ayinde Barrister, who died in 2010.
Kollington is known for his social commentary, political activism, and musical innovation. He has collaborated with other notable musicians such as King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Salawa Abeni, who was his former wife.
He has also mentored many younger fuji stars, such as Wasiu Ayinde, Pasuma, and Saheed Osupa.
