The producer of the documentary: “Women of Fuji,” Prof. Saheed Aderinto, has said the project was designed to challenge stereotypes and document the often-overlooked contributions of women to the development of Fuji music.
The researcher from Florida International University, US spoke during the screening of the documentary, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The second episode in the Fuji Documentary series was screened on Thursday.
The historian and filmmaker said the documentary traced the history of women in Fuji music from 1977 to the present day, examining the barriers they faced and the strategies they adopted to thrive in a genre largely dominated by men.
Aderinto said: “The documentary is about the history of women in Fuji, the history of the genre, how it began, its politics and economy, why women are subdued in the genre and how they fought and overcame the challenges confronting them.
“We demonstrate the transformation not only in the type of Fuji women are performing, but also the challenges they have faced and overcome.”
The professor of African history and African Diaspora Studies described documentaries as powerful tools for preserving history, correcting misconceptions, and combating bias.
He added: “Women of Fuji celebrates the role of women as leaders, innovators and cultural voices in Fuji music, highlighting how they have used the genre to address social issues and preserve cultural values.
“Documentaries can be used to correct mistakes of the past and fight stereotypes and bias.
“Once people know their history, there is a possibility that such knowledge will empower them to do something meaningful with themselves.”
The producer also noted that advances in technology and social media had created fresh opportunities for women and youths interested in indigenous music.
According to him, talented individuals can now produce, distribute, and promote Fuji music without the traditional barriers associated with the industry.
“A talented person without a band can sing Fuji by leveraging technology,” he said.
Aderinto added that Fuji remained the most dominant Yoruba musical tradition and continues to serve as a platform for social commentary and holding leaders accountable.
Earlier, the Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, had commended Aderinto for preserving Yoruba cultural heritage through documentary filmmaking.
Lasisi, represented by the Deputy Rector, Olayide Salawu, said the production would help students appreciate Yoruba history, culture, and identity.
She noted that understanding one’s identity was essential for self-discovery and innovation.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, Femi Adedokun, said the documentary reinforced the message that women could excel in any field despite societal limitations.
According to him, the production serves as an inspiration for female students to break barriers and pursue excellence.
“The documentary has been an eye-opener to the role and contributions of women in Fuji music both in Nigeria and the diaspora,” Adedokun said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the Women of Fuji mentioned included Alake Alasela, Karimotu Aduke, Asisatu Amope, Mutiat Amope, Fatimo Asande, Foluke Awoleye, Fausa Makeba, and Solape Florangba before other contemporaries.
The screening was held in honour of the late Dr. Kehinde Faniyi, former Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
NAN recalled that the Fuji Documentary series debuted in 2024 with: “Mr Fuji: Barry Wonder,” a tribute to Fuji music icon, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
