By Kunle rasheed
There is no iota of doubt that the outburst of Ayankunle Ayanlowo the ex-talking drummer of Fuji Czar, K1 De Ultimate is generating the usual buzz on social media with many in that frenzy, taking sides without allowing a thought on what the other side may look like.
It is understandable that many are swayed by emotions based on what the drummer said about his former boss. This has instantly turned them to internet judges and justices without them looking beyond the surface of his claims.
Although, K1 has decided not to “wrestle with the pig” by not dignifying him with a response, however, those who know much about the hitherto smooth sailing are now availing evidences to set the record straight.
Many may not be aware that before this trending video surfaced, Ayankunle has been sending several people to K1 to plead for his return. For whatever reason, his boss and benefactor has however, refused this last time, hence the need for ‘Ayan’ to start splashing mud around.
One major issue that has continued to be the bane of the Nigerian society, especially in our dear Yorubaland is that monster known as “self entitlement”. We have allowed this beast to eat deeper into our flesh that we always want our desires to be fulfilled by others rather than ourselves.
The question many should have asked Ayanlowo is that, in that 32 years he claimed he worked for K1, did K1 owe him any of his salaries? Was he not paid his deserved wages as at when due?
That, he didn’t ‘achieve anything’ shouldn’t be the problem of his boss but his personal predicament which many fail to see.
If Kamoru Ayanyemi (Bata) that he (Ayankunle) brought to the band can build two houses and on the verge of completing a hotel in Lagos, how then can we not pose that question to him on what he did with his money in that 32 years of service?
That false belief of being entitled that has made him abdicate his individual responsibility, should not be blamed on anyone else, but himself.
Ayankunle in his fantasy land warble made another claim that K1 has the habit of holding on to their passports whenever they went outside the shores of the land for performance.
Numerous people should be aware what the reason behind this should be if logic can be allowed to live in our heads. It is a well known fact that many band members irrespective of whom the artiste is, see oversees travels as a means to ‘japa’ (the street slang for absconding abroad). They see it as an opportunity to better their lives once that oversees travels becomes reality. Before many may say, it is because of this or that; it is certainly not about poor remuneration or bad working condition, but that erroneous belief that it is better out there. A reason you’ll see bankers, lawyers, doctors or many in other fields selling houses and other properties, leaving well paying jobs just to japa.
If K1 knows the consequence of a member disappearing when that opportunity comes, he must take measures in curbing it so that his image should remain intact.
What many do not know is that, whenever a member or members disappear from the band abroad, it becomes pretty difficult to access visas and other privileges from that country’s embassy.
If Ayankunle has worked for someone for 32 years and he was not treated right, why did he stay till now to colour his boss bad?
Honestly, people who are quick to pass judgement are not conversant with history around drummers and their bosses over the years.
Maybe, many should be reminded what transpired between King Sunny Ade and his drummer of many years Tiamiyu.
The issue of Chief Ebenezer Obey and Mutiu Kekere also was not a sweet song at a point in time.
Even, K1’s eternal boss, late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister had issues with many of his lead drummers like Babatunde Oyadolu and Kamoru Ayansola that many unsavory things were said against him by them.
Can we also forget late Apala maestro, Haruna Ishola and his drummer Ojubanire?
What about Yusuf Olatunji and his long standing drummer Kasunmu?
Ajewole Onilu Ola took his boss, the late Ayinla Omowura to the cleaners when they had a long standing issue then. It was when they reconciled that the artiste recorded a track for his drummer “Adewole pada d’omo tuntun, Adewole pada d’omo tuntun…’
(the rebirth of adewole)
The issue of Ayankunle with K1 remains a child’s play compared to those mentioned above.
So, it is not strange if Ayankunle has gone this familiar route.
Ayankunle forgot to know that bank account/ documents don’t lie, his wages and that of others always goes from band account controlled by K1 to everyone’s account every week,.
And K1 can produce a decade of his account statement to support this pure fact.
I strongly believe that Ayankunle should learn to do his own growing no matter how tall he feels his father was.
Mo soyi mo duro na
The is still Kunle Rasheed reporting live from my inner mind.
_Kunle Rasheed is a Society Journalist based in Lagos._
