Juju Music Pioneer Ahuja Bello Passes Away at 83
The veteran musician, remembered for timeless hits and electrifying stagecraft, died a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.
Nigerian Juju music legend, Ahuja Bello, has died at the age of 83, just a day after marking his birthday.
His son, Adetunji Bello, confirmed the passing on Sunday, noting that the veteran musician died in the early hours of the day.
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Bello carved out a name for himself in the 1970s and 1980s with his distinctive sound, dexterity on the guitar, and captivating live performances.
In 1976, he founded Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, which rose to fame with hits such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de. His 1979 project, Ahuja in London, expanded his reach and connected him with global stars, including reggae legend Bob Marley.
Although his career slowed after a tragic accident in 1982, Ahuja Bello’s influence on Juju music endured. His artistry helped define the golden era of the genre, inspiring a generation of musicians and preserving Juju as a vibrant part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Fans, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts continue to celebrate his contribution to music, remembering him as a pioneer whose sound bridged tradition and modernity.
