I Use Juju To Promote My Music — Saheed Osupa
Popular Fuji musician, Saheed Okunola, popularly known as Saheed Osupa, has stirred debate after openly admitting to engaging in voodoo to boost his career.
The revelation came during his performance at the 52nd-year celebration of veteran actor Fatai Odua, also known as Lalude, on March 30, 2026.
A video of the event, which went viral on Wednesday, shows Osupa advising his backup singers to use voodoo to match his stage performance.
He described the practices as beneficial to their well-being rather than harmful.
“Somebody told me one time to grant an interview, denying that I’m a fetish person, but I told him that I am. I didn’t kill anyone with my juju or commit evil. I am only looking for how to progress. Nothing more. That’s why anytime I wake, I always pay obeisance to my Ifa,” he said.
Osupa further defended his practices, jokingly asking, “If I don’t engage in voodoo, what else should I have employed? Is it Phensic or Panadol that will make me successful? Even if one is not enormously rich, one should enjoy comfort.”
The singer also claimed that voodoo is widespread and that while many conceal it, he chooses to be open. “All those talks of mine that I rely solely on the Bible and the Quran are pure lies,” he added.
His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Islamic clerics and followers.
Cleric Alagusiy urged Osupa to abandon such practices and return to God, saying, “Please return to God, he’s the one who made you famous and rich. Not Ifa or juju.”
Another cleric, Uwais Lukman, criticised the musician for balancing strict religious expectations with his music career.
Similarly, Islamic commentator General Tom accused Osupa of disrespecting God, suggesting spiritual influences from past consultations.
Responding to the backlash, Osupa clarified that he has never discredited any holy book, acknowledging both Jesus and Prophet Muhammad, while highlighting what he described as insincerity among some critics.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
