Veteran Fuji Musician Is Dead

The oldest active practitioner of Fuji music, Alhaji Love Azeez Oladeji, has died at the age of 81.

NEWSNGR understands that the veteran musician reportedly passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Lagos State after a brief illness.

His death was confirmed by the General Secretary of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Adekunle Abiodun.

Announcing the development in a post on Facebook, Abiodun expressed sadness over the passing of the respected Fuji artiste.

“So sad, the oldest FUJI MUSICIAN, ALHAJI LOVE AZEEZ OLADEJI, gave up the ghost this evening after a brief illness,” he wrote.

Abiodun also referred to the late singer as “Baba wa,” a term commonly used to honour revered elders within the Fuji music community.

Love Azeez was widely regarded as one of the pioneers and longest-serving practitioners of Fuji music, a genre that has remained one of Nigeria’s most influential indigenous musical styles.

His death marks the end of an era for many admirers of traditional Yoruba music and members of the Fuji music industry.

In accordance with Islamic rites, the late musician was laid to rest on Thursday, June 18.

Family members, associates and members of the Fuji music community were said to have attended the burial prayers and interment.

His passing adds to the list of notable losses recorded in Nigeria’s entertainment industry in recent months.