Taye Currency Biography: Nigeria’s Fuji Music Sensation

Discover Taye Currency’s inspiring journey from struggling backup singer to Fuji music star. Learn about his career, family tragedy, mansion, and $500K net worth success story.

Alhaji Taye Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, is a Nigerian Fuji musician who has established himself as one of the genre’s most consistent and respected performers over more than two decades. Born on December 17, 1974, this Ibadan-based singer has built a remarkable career characterized by perseverance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Fuji music tradition.

He hails from Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, and was born into the family of the late Mr. Ganiu Amoo Adebisi and Alhaja Mojisola Aduke Adebisi. His upbringing in Ibadan, a city with rich cultural and musical heritage, provided him with the perfect environment to develop his musical talents and connect with the deep-rooted Yoruba musical traditions that define Fuji music.

What sets Taye Currency apart in Nigeria’s competitive Fuji music scene is his remarkable journey from rejection and struggle to becoming a household name. He began his career at the age of 17 when he founded the “Currency Band” with his twin brother and manager Rahmon Akilapa, who is now deceased, demonstrating early entrepreneurial spirit and musical vision.

His career path was marked by constant rejection and being told he had no future in the entertainment industry. However, he refused to let negative words and rejection discourage him, choosing instead to remain hard-working and diligent in his musical apprenticeship, moving between cities and working with various musical groups to perfect his craft.

Today, Taye Currency stands as a testament to the power of persistence and dedication in the Nigerian music industry. With an estimated net worth of $500,000 and recognition as one of the most consistent Fuji artists by City People Magazine, his story continues to inspire aspiring musicians across Nigeria and beyond.

Early Life & Background: Roots in Ibadan

Birth and Family Origins

Taye Akande Adebisi was born on the 17th of December, 1974, to the family of the late Mr. Ganiu Amoo Adebisi and Alhaja Mojisola Aduke Adebisi. His birth into this Muslim Yoruba family in Ibadan provided him with the cultural and spiritual foundation that would later influence his musical expression and career choices.

He was born into a Muslim Yoruba family, and his birthplace, Ibadan, is where he spent his early years. Growing up with his parents and other siblings, including Sulaiman Akanmu, he was surrounded by the rich musical traditions of Yoruba culture and the vibrant entertainment scene that characterized Ibadan in the 1970s and 1980s.

Twin Brother and Early Support System

A significant aspect of Taye Currency’s early life was his relationship with his twin brother, late Mr. Kehinde Alayoke Adebisi. The bond between the twins would prove crucial to his career development, as his twin brother became not just family but also a key supporter and collaborator in his musical journey.

His mother, Alhaja Mojisola Aduke Adebisi, played a pivotal role in nurturing his musical interests from a young age. He began singing at a young age, with his family’s encouragement, particularly from his mother who would later provide crucial support when he formed his band at age 17.

Cultural and Musical Environment

Growing up in Ibadan exposed young Taye to various forms of traditional Yoruba music, including the Fuji genre that he would later make his career. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and its reputation as a center for Yoruba arts provided the perfect incubator for his developing musical talents.

The support and encouragement from his family during his formative years instilled in him the confidence and determination that would later sustain him through the numerous challenges he faced in establishing his musical career.

Educational Background and Early Development

While specific details about Taye Currency’s formal education are not extensively documented, his musical education and apprenticeship represent a significant part of his developmental journey. His learning process involved practical experience and mentorship rather than formal academic training in music.

In his learning process, he moved to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where he became a backup singer for four different brands for two years. This period of apprenticeship was crucial for developing his vocal skills, understanding stage presence, and learning the business aspects of the music industry.

He advanced his learning by partnering with Ilu-Pesi at Isale Eko in Lagos State. There, he worked as an apprentice and, at the same time, arranged musical instruments for them, gaining comprehensive knowledge of both performance and technical aspects of music production.

Career Journey: From Rejection to Recognition

Early Struggles and Rejection

To say the least, it was not easy for Taye to grow his career in music as he was constantly rejected and told that he did not have a future in the entertainment industry. However, he did not let those negative words and rejection get to him; instead, he chose to remain hard-working and diligent in learning.

These early rejections and challenges could have discouraged a less determined individual, but Taye Currency saw them as opportunities to improve his craft and prove his critics wrong. His resilience during this difficult period would become one of his defining characteristics.

Apprenticeship and Skill Development

His apprenticeship period involved moving between different cities and working with various musical groups. After one year at Ilu-Pesi, Taye returned to his home state Ibadan to form his band, armed with the comprehensive skills and experience he had gained during his travels.

The time spent as a backup singer and apprentice provided him with invaluable experience in understanding audience preferences, musical arrangements, and the dynamics of leading a successful musical group—knowledge that would prove essential when he formed his own band.

Formation of Currency Band

At the age of 17, with the support of his mother, he formed his band known as Currency Band. He also got support from his twin brother, late Mr. Kehinde Alayoke Adebisi, his late manager, Rahmon Akilapa, demonstrating the importance of family support and strategic partnerships in launching his professional career.

The formation of Currency Band marked the beginning of his professional journey and represented his transition from apprentice to bandleader. The name “Currency” would become synonymous with quality Fuji music and consistent performance over the following decades.

Career Growth and Recognition

He has been doing well in the industry with less competition in his genre of music, carving out a niche for himself through his distinctive style and consistent delivery. His approach to Fuji music, while rooted in tradition, incorporated his unique experiences and perspectives.

Over the years, Taye Currency has made several collaborations with other Fuji musicians and also hip-hop, Islamic, and juju singers, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining his Fuji identity.

Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Excellence

Professional Honors

He has received many recognitions and awards for his works, establishing him as one of the respected figures in the Fuji music industry. These accolades acknowledge both his musical talent and his contribution to preserving and advancing the Fuji genre.

The Most Consistent Fuji Artiste by City People Magazine stands out as a particularly meaningful recognition, acknowledging his ability to maintain relevance and quality over an extended period in a competitive industry.

Titles and Cultural Recognition

His awards include Great ambassador of Fuji, Jagunmolu of Fuji Worldwide, Amuludun of Ikorodu, Okonlomo ni Ibadan 1, and Mayegun of Oluyole Ibadan land, among others. These traditional titles reflect not just his musical achievements but also his cultural significance and respect within Yoruba communities.

These titles demonstrate how his success in music has translated into broader cultural recognition and leadership within his community, positioning him as both an entertainer and a cultural ambassador for Fuji music.

Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Relationships

Marriage and Family Life

Taye Currency was married to his wife Dara, popularly known as Ara ’99, in April 2018. However, records show that the woman decided to leave the marriage for personal reasons, representing a significant personal challenge for the musician.

Taye Currency and his former wife have departed for personal reasons, and he has spoken openly about being in search of a new wife after the mother of his children stepped aside for reasons best known to her, as Taye stated in an interview with Encomium magazine.

Children and Next Generation

Taye’s first son, Yusuf, got married in April 2018, with several dignitaries attending the occasion because of the father’s prominence in the music industry. Yusuf graduated from the University of Ilorin (though some sources mention Alhikmah University Ilorin) before he got married to the love of his life.

The wedding attracted dignitaries including Akanni Rasaq, Alhaji Sule Minister, Arike Olowokoso, and Jay Jay Jacob, demonstrating the social capital and respect that Taye Currency has built through his successful music career.

Personal Loss and Resilience

One of the most significant personal losses in Taye Currency’s life was the death of his twin brother and manager, Rahmon Akilapa. He used to be backed up by his brother, but given the death of the latter, he is now doing it all alone, demonstrating his resilience and ability to continue despite profound personal loss.

His father, Mr. Ganiu Amoo Adebisi, is deceased, while his mother Alhaja Mojisola Aduke Adebisi continues to be a source of support. The loss of family members, particularly his twin brother who was instrumental in his early career, has been a defining challenge in his personal journey.

Financial Success and Lifestyle

Net Worth and Income Sources

It is a fact that the Fuji singer makes money majorly from his music career, and that is his only known source of wealth. Like most Nigerian artists, Taye earns from the sales of his songs, shows, streaming channels, and concerts, contributing to his impressive estimated net worth of $500,000.

Details of how much he makes from these various revenue streams are unknown, but they are the contributors to his financial success. His ability to maintain consistent income over more than two decades demonstrates his enduring appeal and effective career management.

The Ibadan Mansion

In 2018, Taye Currency launched his two-story lavishly furnished building in Ibadan, Oyo State. The launch party of the house was attended by many famous Nigerian celebrities, including Yinka Ayefele, Wasiu Ayinde, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Olubada of Ibadan, and Ilorin cleric Alhaji Shehu Buhari, among others.

Upon its completion, the spaciously built property was named the most beautiful mansion and a tourist attraction center in Ibadan. Going by photos, Taye’s mansion looks just like a palace with a sizeable swimming pool and other luxurious features.

The house opening ceremony had personalities such as Yinka Ayefele, Wasiu Ayinde, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, and Olubada of Ibadan, among other prominent people, demonstrating his status and the respect he commands within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Career Philosophy and Success Principles

Character as Key to Success

Currency claims that his character is the key to his success, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity and professional conduct in building a sustainable music career. The artist is a true workaholic who puts his heart and soul into everything he does.

His commitment to hard work and dedication to his craft has been consistent throughout his career, from his days as an apprentice to his current status as an established Fuji music star. This work ethic has been instrumental in overcoming the rejections and challenges he faced early in his career.

Gratitude and Relationships

He also expresses gratitude to his brother, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, for all of his support, and he praises God for his life. This acknowledgment of support from fellow artists and divine providence reflects his understanding of the importance of relationships and humility in sustaining success.

His willingness to acknowledge those who have supported him, including family members, fellow musicians, and his community, demonstrates the values that have helped him build lasting relationships within the industry.

Confidence and Self-Belief

He is not afraid of the popularity his rivals have. The man is sure that his talent will still keep him famous despite having no connections with political forces or having no personal record studio. This confidence in his abilities and his music has sustained him through competitive pressures.

His approach to competition and success demonstrates a mature understanding that consistent quality and authentic artistry can create sustainable success even without the advantages that some other artists may enjoy.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Persistence and Excellence

Taye Currency’s biography represents an inspiring narrative of persistence, resilience, and ultimate triumph in Nigeria’s competitive Fuji music industry. From his humble beginnings in Ibadan to becoming one of the genre’s most consistent performers, his journey demonstrates the power of dedication and unwavering belief in one’s talents.

His story is particularly meaningful because it shows how someone can overcome constant rejection and numerous obstacles to achieve significant success. The fact that he was repeatedly told he had no future in entertainment yet persevered to build a $500,000 fortune and earn prestigious titles and awards makes his success all the more remarkable.

The personal tragedies he has faced, including the loss of his twin brother and manager, the end of his marriage, and the death of his father, add depth to his story and demonstrate his resilience in maintaining his career despite profound personal challenges.

His magnificent mansion in Ibadan, the successful marriage of his son Yusuf, and the numerous awards and titles he has received all testify to a career well-lived and goals achieved through persistent effort and dedication to craft.

As Taye Currency continues his musical journey, his legacy extends beyond his own achievements to inspire countless aspiring musicians who face similar challenges and rejections. His story proves that with determination, hard work, and belief in one’s abilities, it is possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve lasting success in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When and where was Taye Currency born?

Birth Details

Taye Akande Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, was born on the 17th of December, 1974, making him currently 50 years old as of 2024.

Place of Origin

He was born in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state in southwestern Nigeria, where he spent his early years and where he continues to be based as a musician.

Family Background

He was born into the family of the late Mr. Ganiu Amoo Adebisi and Alhaja Mojisola Aduke Adebisi, into a Muslim Yoruba family that provided support for his musical interests from a young age.

2. How did Taye Currency start his music career?

Early Beginning

He began his career at the age of 17 when, with the support of his mother, he founded the “Currency Band” alongside his twin brother and manager, Rahmon Akilapa, of blessed memory.

Apprenticeship Period

Before forming his band, he moved to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where he became a backup singer for four different brands for two years, and later partnered with Ilu-Pesi at Isale Eko in Lagos State as an apprentice.

Early Challenges

He was constantly rejected and told that he did not have a future in the entertainment industry, but he chose to remain hard-working and diligent in learning, eventually proving his critics wrong.

3. What is Taye Currency’s net worth and sources of income?

Estimated Net Worth

Taye Currency’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, making him one of the richest Fuji musicians in Nigeria.

Income Sources

The Fuji singer makes money majorly from his music career through the sales of his songs, shows, streaming channels, and concerts, which collectively contribute to his impressive fortune.

Financial Achievement

His $500,000 net worth reflects more than two decades of consistent work in the Fuji music industry and his ability to maintain relevance and generate income throughout his career.

4. What awards and recognition has Taye Currency received?

Major Awards

He has received many recognitions and awards including The Most Consistent Fuji Artiste by City People Magazine, which acknowledges his sustained excellence in the genre.

Traditional Titles

His honors include Great ambassador of Fuji, Jagunmolu of Fuji Worldwide, Amuludun of Ikorodu, Okonlomo ni Ibadan 1, and Mayegun of Oluyole Ibadan land, among others.

Cultural Recognition

These titles and awards reflect not just his musical achievements but also his cultural significance and the respect he commands within Yoruba communities and the broader Fuji music industry.

5. What happened to Taye Currency’s twin brother?

Twin Brother’s Role

Taye Currency founded the “Currency Band” with his twin brother and manager Rahmon Akilapa (also known as Kehinde Alayoke Adebisi), who played a crucial role in his early career development.

Tragic Loss

His twin brother and manager Rahmon Akilapa is now deceased, representing a profound personal loss for the musician who used to be backed up by his brother in his performances.

Continuing Alone

Given the death of his twin brother, he is now doing it all alone, demonstrating his resilience and ability to continue his musical career despite this significant personal tragedy.

6. Tell me about Taye Currency’s mansion in Ibadan?

Mansion Launch

In 2018, Taye Currency launched his two-story lavishly furnished building in Ibadan, Oyo State, marking a significant milestone in his career and financial success.

Celebrity Attendance

The launch party was attended by many famous Nigerian celebrities including Yinka Ayefele, Wasiu Ayinde, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Olubada of Ibadan, and Ilorin cleric Alhaji Shehu Buhari, among others.

Property Features

Upon its completion, the spaciously built property was named the most beautiful mansion and a tourist attraction center in Ibadan, with features including a sizeable swimming pool and luxurious amenities that make it look like a palace.