Renowned juju music legend, Ahuja Bello, has died at the age of 83.
His son, Adetunji Bello, confirmed the news, revealing that the musician passed away in the early hours of August 24, just a day after marking his birthday.
Adetunji said, “Yes, my dad is dead. He had been sick for some time. He was loved by everybody, and we will greatly miss him.”
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello was a celebrated guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader who gained prominence during the 1970s and early 1980s. Before venturing into music, he worked as an electronic technician, eventually forming Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976.
He became known for his electrifying stage presence and popular albums such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de. In 1979, Bello traveled to London where he recorded Ahuja in London and had interactions with international artists, including reggae icon Bob Marley.
His music career suffered a setback in July 1982 following an accident, but his influence on juju music remained significant. Music historian Ayọ̀délé Ìbíyẹmí highlighted that Bello’s work was rooted in Yoruba praise-singing traditions, often incorporating folk storytelling elements drawn from his early experiences as a drummer in Iseyin.
Throughout his career, Bello was signed to major Nigerian record labels such as Afrodisia and Ibukun Orisun Iye. His contributions to the evolution of juju music have earned him a lasting place in Nigeria’s musical heritage.
