K1 De Ultimate (born Wasiu Ayinde Marshall) is a Nigerian musician and songwriter. He is known as the King of Fuji music, a popular genre in Nigeria and West Africa. K1 De Ultimate has over four decades of experience in the music industry, and has released several albums that have become classics in Nigeria and beyond.
Early Life and Education
K1 De Ultimate was born on March 3, 1957, in Agarawu, Lagos Island, Lagos State. He grew up in the popular Mushin and Isale Eko neighborhoods of Lagos. His father was a native of Ijebu Ode, while his mother was from Ilupeju in Lagos State. K1 De Ultimate attended Muslim Mission Primary School and Isale Eko Grammar School, both in Lagos. He quit school in 1977 to pursue a career in music.
Music Career
K1 De Ultimate started his music career as a member of Ayinde Barrister’s band, the Supreme Fuji Commanders, in the 1970s. He later formed his band, the Fuji ’78, and released his first solo album, Abode Mecca, in 1980. K1 De Ultimate’s music is a blend of traditional Yoruba music, highlife, and contemporary African rhythms. His songs often address social issues and current events, and his style is characterized by his unique voice, energetic performances, and the use of the talking drum.
Some of K1 De Ultimate’s most popular albums include Talazo 84, Aseju, Ese, and Oju Oloju. He has collaborated with many musicians, both in Nigeria and internationally, and has won several awards and recognitions, including the Nigerian Entertainment Award for Best Indigenous Artist in 2008 and 2013. He has also been dubbed the United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace due to his contributions to social causes.
Discography
| Album Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Abode Mecca | 1980 |
| Talazo 84 | 1984 |
| Aseju | 1990 |
| Ese | 1991 |
| Oju Oloju | 1993 |
| Adieu Papa | 1999 |
| Legacy | 2007 |
| Omo Naija | 2012 |
| State Of Nation (S.O.N) | 2016 |
| Fuji The Sound (EP) | 2020 |
For a full list of K1 De Ultimate’s discography, please visit Boomplay.
Personal Life
K1 De Ultimate is married with children. He is a devout Muslim and has made several philanthropic contributions to Islamic and non-Islamic causes in Nigeria. He has also been involved in several controversies, including a public feud with fellow musician, Ayinde Barrister, which lasted for several years before they reconciled in the mid-2000s.
Cars and House
K1 De Ultimate is known for his love of luxury cars and has a collection of several high-end vehicles, including a Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls-Royce Ghost, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. He also owns several properties, including a mansion in his hometown of Ijebu Ode and a house in Lagos.
Net Worth
K1 De Ultimate’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, As of 2024. In Nigerian naira, his net worth is estimated to be around ₦2 billion. In Canadian dollars, his net worth would be around $6.3 million, while in Ghanaian cedis, it would be around GH₵28 million. His net worth in Kenyan shillings would be around KSH 536 million, while in South African rand, it would be around ZAR 71 million. In Ugandan shillings, his net worth would be around UGX 18 billion, while in Indian rupees, it would be around ₹366 crore.
Overall, K1 De Ultimate is one of the most successful musicians in Nigeria and has left an indelible mark on the country’s music industry. His unique style, longevity, and contributions to society have cemented his place as a true legend of Nigerian music.
For more information and updates on K1 De Ultimate, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
