Fuji singer, Sulaimon Alao Adekunle, popularly known as KS1 Malaika, has replied street-hop artiste Small Doctor, stating that Fuji music is not dying and remains better than his genre.

The 52-year-old made the comment on Wednesday via his verified Instagram page while reacting to claims that no new Fuji artiste has risen to fame since the early 2000s.

On Sunday, Small Doctor, 28, had taken to X to express concern about the genre, saying Fuji needed urgent revival.

He wrote, “I stand to be corrected. I feel Fuji music is dying and something needs to be fixed urgently… After the blowing up of Remi Aluko and the likes in 2001 or 2002, I haven’t heard or seen another Fuji artiste blow up.”
But in his response, Malaika disagreed, saying Fuji music is still thriving and even more influential than the street-pop genre Small Doctor represents.

He wrote, “Everyone is entitled to a right freedom of speech and expression but let me educate you some more because it’s the genre of music I belong and should know better than you.”

Malaika added that Fuji has birthed several successful artistes after Remi Aluko, both in Nigeria and abroad.

He also questioned what Small Doctor would say about even older genres like Apala and Juju if he believes Fuji is dead.

“There are quite a number of Fuji musicians after Remi Aluko, doing absolutely well both home and abroad… If you say Fuji is dying, what will you say to them?”
The “Alayeluwa” crooner further stated that Fuji music continues to inspire younger artistes across genres, especially hip-hop, with many adopting its rhythm, style, and vocal energy.

“Don’t also forget, a lot of hip hop musicians are on Fuji tempo till date. If Fuji receives the kind of attention and support TV/radio stations accord HipHop, Fuji music would go further and bigger.”

He described Fuji as a genre that is “more detailed” than Small Doctor’s, and reminded him that becoming a star is not by noise, but by time, consistency, and grace.
“Fuji music is more detailed than your genre of music… Becoming a star artist is not by anyone’s power, knowledge, or wisdom. Whatever someone chooses as a profession, you just need to continue doing it, and you will meet your target one day.”

KS1 Malaika, who has released multiple studio albums and performed in different countries, is considered one of the pillars of modern-day Fuji.

As of press time, Small Doctor has not issued a response to Malaika’s remarks.