Veteran Nigerian singer, Wasiu Alabi Odetola, popularly known as Pasuma, has revealed that he began his career as a footballer but turned to music after he failed to make the Nigerian squad for the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship in China.
The fuji musician disclosed this in a recent interview with Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo.
He said the global success of Wasiu Ayinde’s 1984 album, ‘Talazo ’84” inspired him to embrace music immediately after his World Cup dream clashed.
Pasuma said, “In 1984, Alhaji King Wasiu Ayinde released an album called ‘Talazo ’84’.’ The album was everywhere; worldwide.
“So, I decided to go into music because I was a footballer. I was invited to CODAK 85 [1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship]. I was among four players picked from a club in Shogunle.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t picked to go to the World Cup, so that was when I decided to go into music.
“I was a professional footballer. So, that was how I ventured into music. The rest is history today.”