My mother was my biggest supporter and my greatest inspiration. Without her unwavering belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today – K1 De Ultimate
Sadly, the Nigerian music industry, particularly the Fuji genre, was plunged into deep mourning on January 15, 2025, following the news of the passing of Alhaja Halimot Shadiya Anifowoshe, the mother of Fuji maestro K1 De Ultimate. She passed away at the age of 105.
New Daily Prime reported that a stream of movie makers ,including Mercy Aigbe, Femi Adebayo, Eniola Badmus, Bukky Wright, and others , paid condolence visit to the music maestro.
Alhaja Halimot was more than just a mother to K1; she was his guiding light, close confidant and greatest supporter and fan.
Early Life and Influence
Alhaja Halimot was born into a traditional Yoruba family, where music and art were deeply ingrained in their culture . Her love for music was evident from an early age, and she encouraged her children to explore their musical talents. K1, whose real name is Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, has often spoken about the significant influence his mother had on his music career.
When he started his music career, Halimot initially was not comfortable with K1 leaving school for music. However, the singer eventually had the backing of her mum,“I was doing music because that’s what I wanted to do. At first, my mother didn’t like it, but later, she was forced to change her mind and support me on the day I went for the Ajisari Ajisere competition on my 16th birthday, and I won the trophy,” K1 told the Vanguard Newspaper in an earlier interview.
Support and Encouragement
Throughout K1’s music career, Alhaja Halimot was his rock, offering guidance, support, and encouragement whenever he needed it. She was often seen at his performances, beaming with pride as she watched her son entertain the crowd. K1 has credited his mother with teaching him the importance of humility and hard work. Following the relationship between him and his mother, the singer often praises her during performance on stage. The singer described her mum as someone gifted with music but was not allowed to extend her singing prowess because she was from a royal family.
“I was blessed with the gift of music from a young age, I was born into music. My mother was a singer before she got married. She had the gift of music and she was a princess. “She was not allowed to sing back then because she was a princess and her parents were worried that allowing her to be a musician would delay her from getting married sooner. Her parents said my mother won’t be allowed to sing because she is the daughter of a king,” he said.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Alhaja Halimot was not only a supportive mother but also a philanthropist who gave back to her community. She was involved in various charitable activities, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in her community.K1 has continued his mother’s philanthropic work through his foundation, the K1 De Ultimate Foundation, with the aim of preserving the legacy of Yoruba music and investment in the vibrant tapestry of talents, research, and instruments.
Tributes and condolences
Following Alhaja Halimot’s passing, tributes and condolences poured in torrents from the music industry, fans, and well-wishers. K1’s colleagues, including Fuji musicians and other celebrities, took to social media to pay their respects to the matriarch of Fuji music.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also commiserated with the family of K1. The Lagos State Government has also consoled the singer over the demise of his mother, acknowledging her contributions to the development of Fuji music and her role as a mother and mentor to K1.
Finally, Alhaja Halimot Anifowoshe has exited this mortal world, but her legacy lives on through her son, K1 De Ultimate, and the countless lives she touched through her music, philanthropy, and guidance.
Her memories will also remain evergreen in the minds of many for her unwavering support and encouragement of her son’s music career, as well as her contributions to the development of Fuji music in Nigeria.
By Michael Damilola
