Veteran Juju Musician Ahuja Bello Dies at 83, Family, Colleagues Mourn Him
- Ahuja Bello, a renowned Juju music legend who made waves in the 1970s and '80s, has been announced dead by his family
- Reports confirmed that the iconic musician died in the early hours of August 25, the day after marking his 83rd birthday
- Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo state, Ahuja Bello made a reputation for himself as a noted Juju singer, guitarist, and band leader during the 1970s and 1980s
Ahuja Bello, a veteran 1970s Juju music star who sounds like colleague King Sunny Ade, has died.
PUNCH reported that he died early on Monday, August 25, one day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.
Source: Instagram
His daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi, confirmed his death in a Facebook tribute message on Monday.
“Rest in peace, my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello. We love you, but God loves you more,” Aderemi wrote.
His band page, Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, confirmed the news, writing, "Though you are gone, your light continues to shine in our hearts." RIP, Ahuja Bello."
Ahuja Bello, born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, became a well-known Juju musician, guitarist, and vocalist in the 1970s and 1980s.
He began his profession as an electronic technician before pursuing his passion for music and forming his band, "Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band," in 1976.
Bello, a prominent figure in Nigeria's Juju music scene, was noted for his lively performances and hit albums such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti De.
In 1979, he travelled to London to record Ahuja, where he became acquainted with famed reggae singer Bob Marley.
Bello's career was tragically cut short by a fatal accident on July 24, 1982, just one month before his 40th birthday.
Fans mourn Ahuja Bello
Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:
abiajulu said:
"God grant the soul of the dearly departed peaceful rest. God grant family, friends, and fans mourning him the fortitude to bear the great loss. Adieu. Ameen! "
Folaranmi Adewuyi Adegbite said:
"Not quite long after the transition of Baba Wesco, no doubt the rank of talented musicians of old is fast depleted . May his truculent soul rest in peace. Adieu."
Ademola O. Ogundero said:
"The ''cat with 9 lives'' dead? O boy! He fried out his 9 lives in one go."
Morakinyo Akinwunmi said:
"Hmmmmmmm. Ahuja Bello shook the juju scene side by side with Sunny Ade, their songs were easily mistaken."
Joseph Adefisan said:
"Hunnnnnn this life self, which full of evil. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace."
Olusola Onaolapo said:
"Rest in perfect peace my boss. It was nice working with you. My condolences to the family."
Yemi Obajimi said:
"The man was strong, despite the "od'oni woro ji woro.......… They used to attack him."
Kayode Peters dies after long illness
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nollywood was hit with a tragic loss after the family of actor and movie producer Kayode Peters, aka Koko of My Flatmates, confirmed his death. While the nature of his illness was not made known, Kayode's family said he challenged and conquered a long-time illness.
The family pen tribute to the late movie producer on how he impacted lives as they ask for kindness and privacy as they take time to make arrangements.
Kayode Peters' death comes three days after he marked his wedding anniversary with his wife.
Source: Legit.ng
