Women of Fuji Documentary Premiered in Lagos to Celebrate International Women’s Day

A United States-based Nigerian professor and filmmaker, Saheed Aderinto, has premiered the second episode of his Fuji documentary series titled ‘Women of Fuji’ in Lagos. The event happened on March 8, 2026, which na International Women’s Day, at the J. Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History for Onikan Roundabout, Lagos Island. This one come after the first episode wey focus on the late Fuji legend Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, wey dem launch for February 2024. The documentary shoot for different places like Nigeria, United States, London, Belgium, Ghana, and Italy. Professor Aderinto talk say the project dey connect modern time with the root of Fuji music, and e get space for scholars, artists, and students to learn and reflect on the culture. Archival materials from big radio stations and libraries for Nigeria dey used to lift up the voices of female Fuji musicians wey featured inside. One contributor, Apeke Ajobata, wey collect ‘Distinguished Entertainer Award’ for the premiere, talk say the film dey show the strong power of women for Fuji industry and encourage women to keep pushing in their fields. Another female Fuji artiste, Bukola Amoke (Bukola Omo Daddy), wey don dey inside the game for over 20 years, say the documentary go inspire more women to join Fuji and celebrate those wey dey already there. The film look into challenges wey women face like social stigma, stereotype say female performers na ashawo, pressure from marriage, and sexual harassment for the industry. Many pioneer women move from Waka and Awurebe music to Fuji between 1970s and 1980s. E highlight big achievers like Mutiat Amope wey blend Fuji instruments and start Iganmode record label as the first woman to own one. Women also play big role for commercial success of male Fuji artistes through financial support and as patrons wey dem hail for songs, like Bolajoko Kadiri, Asake Cotonou, and Sariyu Cooper. Plus, Nigerian women for diaspora, especially United States, dey support Fuji artistes well well. Women dey run businesses like lounges, restaurants, and bars abroad where Fuji performances dey happen, and dem dey custodians of oríkì (Yoruba praise poetry) wey Fuji artistes dey use. Overall, the documentary dey celebrate and recognise the important contributions of women to Fuji music wey people no too dey talk about before.