Taiye Currency’s Performance at the Coronation of the New Olubadan: My Observation- Amb. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla

After days of careful, critical review of what happened on the coronation day of the new Olubadan, I am presenting the following clear and factual account keeping every point as I observed it.

For clarity: the new Olubadan is His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The musician at the centre of this report is Alhaji Taiwo (Taye/Taiye) Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taye (Taiye) Currency.

It took me days to critically look into what happened to the popular Ibadan Fuji musician Taye (Taiye) Currency during the Olubadan coronation.

The Taye Currency I know and whose music I have listened to for years was physically present on stage, but not the same artist ‘spiritually Although he stood there in person, the performance that came through was not the Taye Currency we recognise in sound, energy, or delivery.

Some people may dismiss this view; others with deeper insight will understand what I mean.

According to reports in the public space, the organisers chose Taye Currency for three main reasons:

He is the most popular Fuji star who lives in Ibadan (though there are many Ibadan-born artistes).

Oyo State is a PDP state and Taye Currency is a PDP member.

He is personally close to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, who reportedly enjoys listening to his Fuji music.

Because of these above factors, the organisers made him the sole musician for the day not inviting other artistes to share the stage, even though many musicians and cultural troupes reportedly wanted to perform.

Even traditional cultural performers were not given room to perform.

That decision concentrated the entire performance burden on one man.

I believe Taye Currency was attacked spiritually on stage that day.

That is the only explanation that makes sense of why an experienced Fuji musician, with over 30 years of stage experience and thorough preparation, struggled at such an important coronation event attended by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, state governors, honourables, and other distinguished personalities.

His struggle was not from lack of professionalism in my view, it was spiritual.

This pattern is not new. In the history of music in Africa and especially in Yoruba communities, there have been similar incidents: some artistes collapse on stage, some forget their songs, some open their mouths and no voice comes out.

These incidents have often been attributed to spiritual interference or attack.

I am not accusing any other artiste who bid to perform that day of attacking him.

I only state what I have seen repeatedly in the music industry: that such failures often arise from unseen factors beyond technical skill.

My advice to musicians is clear: stop attacking one another spiritually.
The industry needs progress and support, not internal spiritual warfare.

To organisers: next time, spread opportunities by inviting other musicians and cultural groups to share the stage. It is unwise to place the entire weight of a high-profile national or cultural event on a single performer.

To Alhaji Taiwo (Taye/Taiye) Akande Adebisi (Taye Currency): be prayerful and careful both spiritually and personally.

If hard alcohol played any part in affecting your performance that day, please take extra care to avoid it so it will not undermine your talent or reputation at critical moments.

People must understand that there is always another chance in life.
We should all focus on supporting one another for collective progress