The Mayegun of Yorubaland, Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has explained his 67th birthday will not be business as usual due to the challenging economy facing Nigeria.

K1 announced the cancellation of his annual carnival celebration in a statement on his Instagram page.

K1 De Ultimate, whose birthday is on March 3rd, traditionally hosts a grand celebration that attracts friends, associates and fans from across the globe.

However, this year, the musician expressed concern over hardship in the country, emphasising the pressing need to address the basic needs of the less fortunate in society.

The statement reads: “To the glory of God Almighty, I shall be turning 67 years on this planet earth on 3rd of March 2024.

“A joyous day for me, that many of my friends and associates across the globe usually joined with me and my family to celebrate.

“My fans both home and abroad always make the best out of that day in history.

“Now that the day is near and inside of me, there is nothing much happening in our country Nigeria to warrant me celebrating at this point in time.

“Many people are praying for survival at this point, to feed well is a big issue for many, and as someone that benefits from many of these people crying and lamenting, I share in their pains and see no reason I should be celebrating.

“Yes, I agree what our country is passing through now is not permanent and the government is trying in a possible way to get things fixed I believe God Almighty shall open ways and better direction for the leadership of our dear country.

“I, hereby, implore and request all my loved ones, instead of coming to celebrate, eat and drink at this time, please choose this my coming birthday celebration to help someone nearer to you.

”To at least secure a better living at this critical period of our nation’s travails to share however small the gift to people.

“God Almighty shall replenish your pockets in multiple folds as you choose to get along with me on this.

“I thank you immensely and I shall live to appreciate you all so very much till my last day on this planet Earth.”