Renowned Juju music maestro of the 1970s, Ahuja Bello, has passed away at the age of 83.
His son Adetunji Bello, confirmed the sad news in a statement on Sunday, disclosing that the veteran musician died in the early hours of the day, barely 24 hours after celebrating his birthday.
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello began his career as an electronic technician before venturing fully into music. In 1976, he established the iconic Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, which rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s, dominating the Juju music scene.
The singer, famed for his electrifying stagecraft and evergreen hits such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti De, gained international recognition in 1979 when he travelled to London to record the album Ahuja in London. The project introduced his sound to a wider audience and brought him in contact with global music greats, including reggae legend Bob Marley.
However, his thriving career suffered a major setback following a ghastly accident on July 24, 1982, just weeks before his 40th birthday.
Despite this, Ahuja Bello’s legacy as one of the pioneers who popularised Juju music remains intact. His influence continues to echo through Nigeria’s cultural history, with fans and colleagues alike celebrating his enduring contributions to the genre.
