A Nigerian man, Saliu Maja, once a wealthy auto dealer, famously praised in Fuji legend KWAM 1‘s songs, has shared a heartbreaking account of how he lost everything.
In a video posted by content creator Charismatic Oba, Maja recalled his days of affluence when his name was mentioned in elite circles, even earning lyrical recognition from King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate). According to him, life took a drastic turn when he ignored his father’s advice to invest in property and later traveled to Canada with a friend who got involved in shady activities.
The consequences led to both men being deported in 1996. Since then, Maja’s fortunes have dwindled, and he now hawks bottled drinks on the streets to feed his four children, earning about ₦5,000 per day. He revealed he currently squats with others and has no permanent place to call home.
Maja said he once attempted to see KWAM 1 at the singer’s 40th birthday celebration but was unable to gain access. While sharing his story, he appealed to Nigerians for help, stating that he dreams of returning to his original line of work in the automobile business.
His emotional story has drawn sympathy online, highlighting the fragile nature of success and the need for early investment and support for struggling Nigerians.
Sharing the video on his page, an IG user, identified as Charismatic Oba said;
“This thing called life is often filled with mysteries, it is even more scary that no one can fully determine what the outcome of a simple and straightforward decision can possibly be… Since I started this #streetinterview journey, I have come to appreciate people and their efforts more, some fought for as much as they could but still end up being where they don’t want to be. It is a sad world but #StayJiggly.”
See some reactions below;
Olusegun Onakoya: Don’t judge his case my people some of rich people was weaked being when they are in position they only spend for musician but they couldn’t spend for their family some of them are reaping what they sow.
winnersuccessblessing : Nigeria don happen to this man. 😢.
Lukmon Balogun: This man is a pure lier saliu Maja is late is around early 90 maybe 1994 or 95 I know him very well at owode onirin he has a shop where he sells Mercedes Benz spare parts he also sells complete tokunboh Mercedes Benz and his father alhaji Maja is baba adinni owode onirin central mosque then and saliu is a very tall and huge.
Adebiyi Ogundeyi Idaofin: That can not be him. He is by far younger. This should be investigated.
worthy2bepampered : Akudaya Saliu Maja 😂😂He is not Alhaji Maja’s son(baba adinni owode onirin) He is not our own Saliu Maja o,, My uncle died in 1994. May Allah rest his soul🙏.
king_maja01 : If you be Maja Watin con be my uncle name cause na we be the Maja gan gan o.
Doris Oparah Uloneme: This is a big lie, Saliu Maja is a native of Ikorodu and he has passed on.
Watch the video below;
This man used to be a wealthy automobile car dealer who K1 De Ultimate used to sing his praise in his songs, today he is now a street hawker selling purewater sachets in the hot sun.
Life can be such a cruel unpredictable place. This story is sad to see.
pic.twitter.com/pWiyxcXORI— #OurFavOnlineDoc 🩺 🇬🇧 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) July 2, 2025