It evolved from the improvisational wéré music also known as ajísari (meaning "waking up for sari", performed to awaken Muslims before dawn during the fasting season of Ramadan.
[10] Notable Lagos-based wéré performers during the early independence years include Sikiru Omo Abiba, Ajadi Ganiyu, Ayinde Muniru Mayegun (General Captain), Ajadi Bashiru, Sikiru Onishemo, Kawu Aminu, Jibowu Barrister, Ayinde Fatayi, Kasali Alani, Saka Olayigbade, Ayinla Yekinni, and Bashiru Abinuwaye.
[14][15] Between 1970 and throughout the 1980s, other fújì musicians included Fatai Adio, Saura Alhaji, Student Fuji, Rahimi Ayinde (Bokote), Ramoni Akanni, Love Azeez, Waidi Akangbe, Sikiru Olawoyin, Agbada Owo, Iyanda Sawaba, Ejire Shadua, Wahabi Ilori, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, Suleiman Adigun, Sakaniyau Ejire, and Wasiu Ayinla.
[16] In the early 1970s, Alhaji Kolington Ayinla (Baba Alatika) emerged as a prominent fuji performer and rival to Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
[17] Throughout the 2000s, the fuji music scene continued to thrive with prominent artists including Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, King Saheed Osupa, Shanko Rasheed, and others.
Popular modern fújì musicians in the 2000s included Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle Merenge, Abass Akande obesere (PK 1), Sir Shina Akanni, Alhaji Isiaka Iyanda Sawaba, Adewale Ayuba, Wasiu Alabi, (Oganla 1) King Dr.Saheed Osupa (His Majesty), Late Sunny T Adesokan (Omo Ina ton ko fújì), Alayeluwa Sulaimon Alao Adekunle Malaika (KS1, Original), Shefiu Adekunle Alao (Omo Oko), Sule Adio (Atawéwé), Tajudeen Alabi Istijabah (Oju Kwara), Wasiu Ajani (Mr.
Pure Water), Taiye Currency, Alhaji Komi Jackson, Remi Aluko (Igwe fújì), Muri Alabi Thunder, Karube Aloma, Oyama Azeez (Arabesa, Alapatinrin, The Modern Real Fuji Creator), Murphy Adisa Sabaika (Madiba 2), Abiodun Ike Minister (Aremo Alayeluwa), Tunde Ileiru, Karubey Shimiu, Adeolu Akanni (Paso Egba), Shamu Nokia, (Quintessential) Sunny Melody, Olusegun Ologo, Segun Michael, Bola Abimbola,[18] and Sulaimon Alao Adekunle (KS1 Malaika), Shanko Rasheed, Wasiu Container, Cripsymixtee, Konkolo Wally G, Global T, Muri Ikoko, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), Abass Akande Obesere, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma (commonly known as Oga Nla fuji), and King Saheed Osupa (Oba Nla fuji).
The genre features complex rhythms created by instruments like the dùndún and gbedu, which contributes to its distinctive and intricate rhythmic patterns.
Additionally, fújì utilizes a call-and-response vocal style, where the lead singer's phrases are answered by backing vocalists, creating an interactive musical dialogue.
The fuji-fusion, fujipiano and neo-fuji musical styles are attributed to 9ice, Lord of Ajasa, Olamide, Asake, King Saheed Osupa, Naira Marley, Qdot and Seyi Vibez.