Popular Fuji musician, Saheed Okunola, popularly known as Saheed Osupa, has revealed that he engages in voodoo (juju) to enhance his career and achieve success, sparking controversy among fans and religious leaders.
Osupa made the disclosure while performing on stage at the 52nd-year celebration of veteran actor Fatai Odua, also called Lalude, on March 30, 2026. In a video circulating widely on social media, the musician was seen advising his backup singers to embrace voodoo practices to aid their memory and performance, stressing that the rituals are intended solely for well-being and do not make anyone a fetish practitioner.
“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,” Osupa said.
“That’s why anytime I wake, I always pay obeisance to my Ifa. Everybody practises voodoo. While some hide behind the scenes, I do mine in the open. All those talks that I rely solely on the Bible and Quran are pure lies,” he added.
The musician clarified that his use of supernatural practices is focused purely on personal and professional advancement, not intended to harm anyone. He also noted that while many engage in such rituals privately, he prefers to be open about it.
Osupa’s comments have drawn sharp reactions from Islamic clerics who questioned his claim that all people practise juju.
A cleric, identified as Alagusiy, advised the singer to desist from voodoo, stating:
“You don’t need to be promoting Ifa because God is the one who made you famous and rich. Your success is not from juju. Return to God.”
Another cleric, Uwais Lukman, criticised Osupa’s continued involvement in music using active instruments, describing it as un-Islamic and inconsistent with religious teachings.
Saheed Osupa, a veteran in the Fuji music industry, has remained a prominent figure, blending traditional Yoruba musical elements with contemporary sounds. He continues to attract attention for his candid approach to spirituality, professional success, and the intersection of traditional beliefs with modern entertainment.
The disclosure has reignited debates about the role of traditional practices in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the balance between faith and career advancement.
