Ambassador Ajadi Honored with Prestigious Merit Award at BarryFest 2024

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

In a prestigious ceremony held at Ilaji Hotels & Resorts, Ilaji-Akanran, Ibadan, Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, CEO of Bullion Records Label, was awarded the Merit Award at the second edition of the BarryFest event on Saturday, 10 February 2024.

The event, dedicated to the memory of Fuji music pioneer Alhaji Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (MFR), spanned two days, commencing on the 9th and culminating on the 10th of February 2024.

The BarryFest Fuji Music Creator International Festival, an annual celebration that coincides with the posthumous birthday of Alhaji Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, attracted Fuji musicians from around the globe. The festival serves as a fitting tribute to Barrister, who passed away on 16 December 2010, leaving an indelible mark on the Fuji and Wéré music genres.

Ambassador Ajadi, recognized for his humanitarian contributions and significant influence on the growth of entertainment in Nigeria, received the Merit Award from the event organizers. Alhaji Laide Olawumi, chairman of the organizing committee, and Agbaakin Ademola Adesigbin, the secretary, highlighted Ajadi’s unwavering support and invaluable contributions to the success of BarryFest 2024.

Bullion Records Label, under Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo’s leadership, specializes in artist development, music production, and comprehensive management of various aspects of the music business. The label’s prowess in marketing strategies and its keen understanding of the Nigerian music market contribute to its sustained success.

Ajadi expressed gratitude to the Barryfest organizers, highlighting that the event goes beyond commemorating the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. He emphasized its additional purpose of providing a platform to showcase Fuji musicians to a global audience on a unified stage.

“I am truly humbled and deeply honored to receive the Merit Award at BarryFest 2024. This recognition fuels my commitment to continue contributing to the legacy of Alhaji Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and the vibrant world of Fuji music,” he said.

The Merit Award presented to Ambassador Ajadi read: “In recognition of your constant valuable contribution and support towards SAB, the Fuji Music Creator legacy, particularly to the success of the 2nd Edition BarryFest 2024.”

Among the awardees of the day was the UK-based promoter, and CEO of 100% Entertainment, Alhaji Ademola A.J Otolowo who stood up for the Late Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister while alive and after his death. He was presented an award of the Merit Award for his outstanding contributions to the growth of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Fuji Music and his outstanding contributions to the Fuji Music industry as a whole.

Fuji musicians from around the world paid tribute to the late Alhaji Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister during the event, commemorating his lasting legacy.

Notable personalities who accompanied Ambassador Ajadi to the event, BarryFest, included Comrade Badmus Kilamuwaye, South West PRO for NNPP; Comrade Awoeyo Olugbenga Olaitan; Hon. Kehinde Teluwo; Comrade Omokehinde Olayemi Olowu, Ogun State PRO for NNPP; Mr. Elegbede Femi (Ocha TV), an entertainment personality; Hon. Fatai Adenaya, Ogun Waterside, 2023 House Of Assembly Candidate; and Comrade Desire Adenekan, Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Youth Leader.

BarryFest 2024 stood as a testament to the global influence of Fuji music and the enduring impact of legends like Alhaji Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, with Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo rightfully honored for his significant role in the event’s success.