Legendary juju musician, Ahuja Bello, has passed away at the age of 83.
His death was confirmed by his son, Adetunji Bello, who disclosed to Vanguard that the veteran singer breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday, August 24, 2025 just a day after celebrating his birthday.
“Yes, my dad is dead. He had been sick for some time. He was loved by everybody, and we will greatly miss him,” Adetunji said.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello rose to fame in the 1970s and early 1980s as one of the leading lights of juju music.
Though he began his career as an electronic technician, his passion for music led him to form Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976. With his skills as a guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader, he quickly gained recognition for electrifying stage performances and lyrical depth that blended praise-singing with Yoruba folk traditions.
Hit Songs and International Recognition
Bello enjoyed widespread acclaim with hits such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de, which established him as a household name among lovers of juju music. In 1979, he recorded the popular album Ahuja in London while on a trip to the United Kingdom. During that visit, he also had the opportunity to connect with global music icons, including reggae legend Bob Marley, a testament to his growing international profile at the time.
Career Interrupted, Legacy Secured
Bello’s promising career suffered a major setback in July 1982 when he was involved in an accident that slowed his musical output. Nevertheless, his earlier works continued to resonate with audiences, influencing younger generations of juju musicians.
According to Nigerian music historian Ayọ̀délé Ìbíyẹmí, Ahuja Bello’s songs stood out for their storytelling nature and folk-inspired lyrics, which echoed Yoruba drumming and praise traditions rooted in his early life in Iseyin.
Contributions to Nigerian Music
Over the years, Bello recorded under some of Nigeria’s most notable record labels, including Afrodisia and Ibukun Orisun Iye, ensuring that his music remained a part of the nation’s rich cultural archive.
Though his career was relatively short-lived compared to contemporaries, his artistic innovations and energetic performances earned him a place among the enduring figures of Nigeria’s juju music scene.
Ahuja Bello is remembered not only as a celebrated musician but also as a cultural icon whose songs brought joy to countless fans across Nigeria and beyond.
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