Veteran Nigerian Fuji musician Adewale Ayuba is set to release a new five-track album titled Arise on September 19, 2026.
The Bonsue Fuji crooner announced the project in Lagos, describing it as the beginning of a fresh chapter in his decades-long musical career.
Ayuba’s announcement comes after the release of singles including Koloba Koloba and Uncommon, which he said helped him gauge how listeners would respond to his new musical direction.
‘Arise’ Marks A New Beginning
According to Ayuba, the album represents more than another collection of songs.
He said the title reflects the beginning of another journey in his life and a deliberate move away from the long-form projects associated with an earlier era of music.
“I’m no longer going to do long-form albums or 33-minute songs. I’m going with singles,” Ayuba said while explaining the thinking behind the project.
Five Tracks On The Project
The new project contains five songs, including Ileke, All Over the World, Kututu and Yetunde, alongside another track.
Ayuba said the decision to compile the songs into a five-track project followed positive reactions to his recent singles.
He explained that Koloba Koloba and Uncommon were partly released to test audience response before he proceeded with the new album.
A Career Spanning Decades
Ayuba remains one of the recognised names in Nigerian Fuji music.
Over several decades, he has built a career that has introduced his style of Fuji music to different generations of listeners.
His new project comes at a time when music consumption has increasingly shifted towards singles and shorter releases, particularly on streaming platforms.
Ayuba said his decision to embrace the changing format would not mean abandoning the substance that has characterised his music.
‘Music Is Driven By Messages’
The Fuji veteran said his music has always been about more than entertainment.
He emphasised the importance of messages and versatility in his work, saying he wants listeners to recognise the range of music he can create.
“I just want people to know that I’m versatile; I can do anything with music,” he said.
Global Release
Ayuba said Arise will be available globally when it is released on September 19.
The project is expected to introduce his music to both long-time Fuji fans and younger listeners who may be discovering his work through digital platforms.
For a musician whose career has stretched across generations, Arise represents an attempt to combine his established identity with a changing music industry.