Ace Juju singer Ahuja Bello dies — a day after 83rd birthday

Ahuja Bello, the ace Nigerian Juju singer who rose to fame in the 1970s, has died at the age of 83.

The music legend passed away in the early hours of Monday, a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

Bello Festus Aderemi, his daughter, confirmed his demise in a Facebook post accompanied by several photos of her father.

“Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello. We love you but God loves you more,” she wrote.

His band Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles also paid tribute to him on Facebook with the caption: “Though you are gone, your light continues to shine in our hearts. RIP Ahuja Bello”.

Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo state, Ahuja Bello was a Juju musician, guitarist, and vocalist who carved his place in Nigeria’s music scene with his vibrant style and energetic performances.

He began his career as an electronic technician before forming Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976.

Some of his best-known albums include ‘Awa Ti Danfo’, and ‘Ariya Ti De’. He was also known for popular songs like ‘Ijo Olomo’, ‘Fellow Nigerians’, and ‘Victory’.

In 1979, Bello traveled to London to record ‘Ahuja in London’, where he reportedly struck a friendship with reggae icon Bob Marley.

His career, however, was cut short after a tragic accident on July 24, 1982, just a month before his 40th birthday.

Bello remained a respected figure in the Juju music scene, remembered for his artistry and influence on a generation of Nigerian musicians.