Barry Jhay continues to honour the rich legacy of his father, the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, with his twin releases Steady and Fuji Explosion. These tracks are the centerpiece of his 2026 rollout, following the deluxe version of Barrystar Vol. 1. In Fuji Explosion, Jhay leans heavily into the traditional roots of the genre, blending the hypnotic pulse of the kalangu (talking drum) with forward-leaning, polished beats to create a “Gen-Z Fuji” sound that is familiar.
Steady lives up to its name, offering a more high-octane, street-ready vibe. It is a track built on steady percussion that eventually explodes into a high-energy anthem. Barry Jhay’s vocals are emotive and spiritual, a hallmark of his style that differentiates him from other street-pop artists. He doesn’t just sing; he philosophizes on the turbulent nature of life, mixing motivational lyrics with infectious melodies that resonate with the trenches.
The production on both tracks is a compelling blend of tradition and tribute. Barry Jhay has masterfully mapped a sonic terrain where 80s Fuji costumes meet modern music video aesthetics. By doing so, he has carved out a unique space for himself as a sonic cartographer, bringing the sound of the past into the ears of the 2026 listener without it feeling dated.
With these releases, Barry Jhay seals his reputation as a visionary. He is carrying a heavy mantle, but through tracks like Fuji Explosion, he proves he is more than capable of the task. His songs have already become crowd favourites in Lagos, signalling that his “Barrystar” journey is only just beginning to reach its peak. He remains a standard-bearer for soulful, culturally-rooted Nigerian music.
Listen to Steady and Fuji Exposion here.
