Veteran Juju musician Ahuja Bello has died, a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.
His passing was confirmed on Monday by his daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi, in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. “Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello. We love you but God loves you more,” she wrote.
Bello’s band, Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, also shared the news on social media: “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 rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a Juju musician, guitarist, and vocalist.
Originally trained as an electronic technician, he later pursued music full-time, forming Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976.
A respected figure in Nigeria’s Juju music scene, Bello was known for his energetic performances and hit albums such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti De.
In 1979, he travelled to London to record Ahuja in London, where he befriended legendary reggae star Bob Marley.
Tragically, Bello’s flourishing career was reportedly interrupted by a serious accident on July 24, 1982, shortly before his 40th birthday.
Despite the setback, his influence on Juju music endures, remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.
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