Taye Currency, a popular Fuji musician, has been heavily criticized for his performance at the coronation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. The controversy surrounds his song lyrics, “Were la fi n wo were,” which translates to “we use madness to cure madness”. Many Nigerians felt the lyrics were disrespectful and unbecoming of the solemn occasion.
Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, the Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, condemned Taye Currency’s performance, stating that the lyrics were “classless and unbefitting” of the occasion.
Some social media users questioned why Taye Currency was chosen to perform, suggesting that more renowned artists like King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, or K1 De Ultimate would have been more suitable.
The monarch emphasized that music at coronation ceremonies should be an “offering of homage to history, culture, and authority,” rather than a platform for careless entertainment.
“Kingship is sacred, adorned with honor and guarded by tradition. It demands reverence, dignity, honor, class and the utmost respect from all who stand in its presence.
Listening to the musician (Taye currency), who was invited to render music before the Crown, as a matter of fact before the entire world, to serenade the audience and sing in a way to express admiration, singing songs like (were lafi n wo were) We use madness to cure madness.
Such lyrics were classless and unbefitting of such occasion, it is insulting to the sacredness of the gathering.”
Despite the backlash, some people defended Taye Currency’s performance, arguing that he was a fitting choice as a “son of the soil” from Ibadan. Others praised his energetic performance at the reception, where he entertained fans and supporters.
The coronation ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Adeoye, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale, and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
Taye Currency’s performance has sparked a heated debate about the role of music in traditional ceremonies and the importance of respecting cultural heritage.
