By Demola Obadofin
The historic coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja was nothing short of a cultural spectacle, a moment when tradition, royalty, and the rich essence of Ibadan’s resilient identity came alive in an unforgettable celebration.
From the dignitaries that graced the event to the procession of beaded crowns and agbadas, it was a day that stamped its place in history. But beyond the royal rites and high ranking attendees, one highlight truly captured the raw spirit of Ibadan: Taye Currency’s electrifying performance.
For those unfamiliar with the pulse of Ibadan, Taye Currency is more than just a Fuji artist, he’s a street poet, a musical griot, a cultural ambassador whose lyrics reflect the complex, humorous, unapologetically blunt worldview of the average Ibadan man. And while his choice of words during the live performance may have raised a few eyebrows especially among those with more ‘refined’ entertainment tastes, it was, in fact, a perfect expression of the Ibadan identity.
The coronation was a success, not only because a new monarch was crowned but because the event embraced both the high and the humble. It didn’t try to separate the throne from the people. It reminded us that royalty, at its core, must stay connected to the culture and language of the people it leads even if that language sometimes comes wrapped in sharp, rugged, poetic Fuji.
Taye Currency’s performance was not a detour from decorum; it was a deliberate return to cultural authenticity. It brought laughter, sing alongs, and even a few giggles of discomfort. But it also reminded us of the freedom Ibadan is known for, a freedom of speech, thought, and musical expression.
So, as the Olubadan begins his reign, may his leadership reflect the boldness of the city’s music, the honesty of its people, and the openness that makes Ibadan a unique heartbeat in the rhythm of Yoruba land.
The coronation has passed, but its sound, vulgar or not will echo in the hearts of those who felt its truth.
A friend of mine, who has spent over two decade in the entertainment industry, gave a disapproving frown. “Why would he use such vulgar lines at a royal event?” he asked, half in shock. I smiled and simply replied, “Because that is the “soul of Ibadan”.
Taye Currency didn’t just sing,he connected. His raw delivery was not a lack of class but a deliberate cultural tool, one that cuts through pretense and speaks directly to the heart of the people. He wasn’t performing for the elite alone; he was speaking to the commoners, the everyday man who sells at Bodija Market, the transporter at Gate, the old man who has outlived like Ten Olubadans and still believes that life is best enjoyed with music that reflects the truth, unfiltered.
In a way, that performance was Ibadan itself:, bold, unbothered, unfiltered, and full of life.
Though i am not a fan of Fuji music but for those who understand Fuji music deeply, vulgarity in lyrics isn’t about immorality, it’s about social realism. It’s about expressing life’s struggles, victories, betrayals, and joys in words that the common man feels. And in a city like Ibadan where the street and the palace often share values, the music becomes the bridge between royalty and reality.
* Obadofin, a socio-political analyst and finance expert, writes from Akure.