Legendary Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has opened up about the powerful influence his late mother, Princess Halima Anifowoshe, had on his music journey while revealing the heartbreaking reason she was never able to pursue her own dream of becoming a singer.
In a recent podcast interview tied to the release of his new project Ganusi: The Album Fuji Classical, the 68-year-old music icon delved into the inspiration behind one of the album’s standout tracks, “Mama,” which he dedicated to the memory of his beloved mother.
K1 disclosed that his mother was not only the person who introduced him to the fundamentals of music but also played the role of composer for many of his songs during her lifetime.
“The song ‘Mama’ is to the memory of my mother who also taught me about the rudiments of music and singing,” he said.
He went on to share a deeply personal story about her youth and the cultural limitations that held her back from pursuing music professionally.
“My mother as a young maiden lady was a singer, a princess by birth that was denied the opportunity of showing dexterity in music because of what she was; a princess of a sitting king and so also a woman whom they want her to settle in marriage,” he revealed.
Despite being silenced by tradition, Princess Halima’s musical gift didn’t fade, it lived on through her son. According to K1, her passion and talent were divinely transferred to him.
“But everything [my mother’s talent] was transported on me by God. She transferred it to me and oftentimes she served as my composer, very many times during her lifetime. She made her own contribution into my musical development,” he added.
The Fuji legend emphasized that dedicating a track to her was not just a gesture, but an honorable tribute to a woman who helped shape his career from the very beginning.
“So, I think it’s honourable for me to remember her and have a blessed track for her.”
K1 De Ultimate lost his mother, Princess Halima Anifowoshe, in January 2025. With the release of Ganusi, especially the emotional track “Mama,” he immortalizes her legacy not just as his mother, but as a gifted artist who, though denied the spotlight, still managed to influence one of Nigeria’s greatest Fuji icons.
