Wasiu Ayinde, better known to music lovers as K1 De Ultimate, stands as a towering figure in Nigeria’s Fuji music scene. Born on March 3, 1957, in Agarawu, Lagos Island, he traces his roots to Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. This year, 2025, marks his 68th birthday, and over the past five decades, he has moved from a promising young musician to a cultural institution. Beyond his music, Ayinde’s life spans hospitality, politics, and business, with an estimated net worth of around ₦800 million.
Early Life and Roots
Wasiu Omogbolahan Olasunkanmi Adewale Ayinde grew up in Lagos, but the rhythms of Ogun State coursed through his lineage. Raised in a polygamous household, he was later informally adopted by Otunba Samson Aremu Rufai, a respected figure in Ago-Iwoye. His mother, Alimat Shadia, from Illupeju in Ondo State, was herself a woman of music and trade, managing a fabric business in Lagos. It is from her that Wasiu inherited the first stirrings of his musical imagination.
Education
Ayinde’s educational journey took him from Jamatu Islamiya Standard School to Government College, Isolo, before moving to Oyo State to complete secondary school. Early ambitions pointed toward law, but life, as it often does, had other plans after the passing of his father.
Wealth and Business Ventures
K1 De Ultimate occupies a rarefied space among Nigerian musicians, not only for his musical achievements but also for his business acumen. His fortune, estimated at ₦800 million, derives from a blend of album sales, live performances, real estate investments such as the Mayegun Royal Court, a luxury hotel, a confectionery business, brand endorsements including Geely Cars, and his engagements in political spheres.
A Life in Music
From the age of eight, music was not merely a pastime for Wasiu; it was destiny. By his teenage years, he had already begun winning local competitions. In 1975, he joined the band of Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, the Supreme Fuji Commander, marking the formal start of a career that would redefine the genre.
His professional debut came in 1980 with Iba, but it was Talazo 84 that cemented his reputation. Over forty albums later, recent works such as Omo Naija (2023), Timeless (2022), and Fuji The Sound (2020) affirm a career that remains both prolific and relevant. International stages, from London to the WOMAD Festival, have borne witness to his enduring appeal.
Politics and Public Engagement
In 2013, Ayinde extended his influence into the political arena, aligning initially with the Action Congress of Nigeria. Though he has never sought office, his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his active promotion of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 elections illustrate the reach of his public voice. Yet, he has maintained a deliberate distance from formal political contestation, conscious of the burdens that accompany public expectations.
Family Life
Wasiu Ayinde’s personal life is as layered as his music. He has fathered more than 30 children with multiple spouses, including Emmanuella Aderopo, Titi Masha, Shalewa, Yewande (Wendy), Labake Kaosara Anifowoshe, and the late Mujidat Adedotun Fetuga. Among his children, Kabir Femi Ayinde, Damilola Ayinde Marshal, Oyindamola Ayinde Marshal (Honey Bee), Sultan, Farouk Marshal, and Mustapha Adetunji Ayinde Marshal have made names in business, law, and music. The family has also endured loss, with the death of his daughter, Wasilat Olaronke Ayinde, in Canada in 2017.
Assets and Lifestyle
K1 De Ultimate’s lifestyle reflects both success and sophistication. His collection of luxury cars includes a Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley Flying Spur, Range Rover Sport, Lexus LX 570, and Toyota Siena. Alongside high-end properties, he also manages a luxury hotel.
Controversies
Public life has not been without its challenges. In 2015, a shooting incident involving his bodyguard resulted in a university student being injured; police investigations followed, though no charges were laid. In 2020, rumors regarding an alleged affair with Queen Ajoke Badirat Adeyemi, widow of the late Alaafin of Oyo, circulated, which both parties denied.
Social Media Presence
K1 De Ultimate maintains a presence online, connecting with fans through Instagram (@olasunkanmimarshal) and Facebook (K1 De Ultimate).
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
