Legendary juju musician Ahuja Bello has died on the age of 83.
His son, Adetunji Bello, confirmed the information to Vanguard, revealing that the veteran musician handed away within the early hours of August 24, only a day after marking his birthday.
Adetunji Bello stated …
“Sure, my dad is useless. He had been sick for a while. He was liked by everyone, and we’ll significantly miss him.”
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello grew to become a celebrated guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader who gained prominence within the Nineteen Seventies and early Eighties.
Although he began out as an digital technician, he finally adopted his ardour for music and based the Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976.
He earned approval for his vibrant stage performances and well-liked albums comparable to Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de. In 1979, he traveled to London to document Ahuja in London, throughout which he additionally linked with worldwide icons, together with reggae legend Bob Marley.
Bello’s flourishing profession was lower quick by an accident in July 1982, but his affect on Nigerian juju music stays profound. In accordance with music historian Ayọ̀délé Ìbíyẹmí, Bello’s songs typically carried storytelling and folk-inspired lyrics, echoing Yoruba praise-singing traditions that stemmed from his early years as a drummer in Iseyin.
All through his profession, he was signed to notable Nigerian document labels comparable to Afrodisia and Ibukun Orisun Iye, cementing his place as one of many enduring figures within the nation’s musical heritage.
