08/11/2025
LORD OF MUSIC! KING SAHEED OSUPA TOPS K1 ON SPOTIFY, SIGNALING A NEW ERA FOR FUJI MUSIC
By Alhaji Arems
In what many fans are calling a “digital coronation,” King Dr. Saheed Osupa has officially surpassed King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) as the most listened-to Fuji artist on Spotify — a milestone that signals a generational shift within one of Nigeria’s most enduring music traditions.
As of November 8, 2025, Osupa boasts over 241,000 monthly listeners, edging past K1’s 237,800. Though the gap is slim, the symbolism runs deep — the digital age of Fuji music has fully arrived, and Osupa is leading the charge.
For decades, K1 has been the genre’s undisputed ambassador, refining Fuji’s raw street energy into sophisticated global art. Yet Osupa’s steady climb on streaming platforms reflects how the new music economy rewards consistency, catalog freshness, and online engagement. His frequent releases, digital activity, and strong grassroots base have all contributed to his commanding presence on Spotify.
Meanwhile, K1’s enduring influence remains unquestioned. His streaming strength continues to draw from long-time fans and an evergreen body of work. But Osupa’s recent surge proves he’s mastered the modern rhythm of discovery — where playlists, algorithms, and short-form clips now shape who gets heard.
Other Fuji legends trail the leading duo:
🎵 Adewale Ayuba – 83,000 monthly listeners
🎵 Pasuma – 51,000
🎵 Malaika, Obesere, Taye Currency, and Remi Aluko – following closely behind
Fuji, once considered too organic and percussive for digital platforms, is now enjoying a renaissance. Younger Nigerians and diaspora audiences are rediscovering its timeless sound through social media and curated playlists.
While K1 remains a towering figure — the pioneer who globalized Fuji — Osupa’s dominance on Spotify marks the genre’s successful leap into the streaming generation.
This moment isn’t about rivalry; it’s about renewal. Fuji is thriving again — not just in the halls of live performance, but in the algorithms of a global audience.
In 2025, King Dr. Saheed Osupa isn’t just holding the mic; he’s holding the moment — proving that Fuji’s heartbeat still echoes loud and clear across the world’s biggest digital stages.
