Renowned Juju music star of the 1970s, Alhaji Ahuja Bello, has died at the age of 83.
Bello passed away in the early hours of Monday, a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.
His death was confirmed in a Facebook tribute by his daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi, who wrote: “Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello. We love you but God loves you more.”
His band page, Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, also announced his passing, stating: “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, Bello rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a Juju musician, guitarist, and vocalist.
He began his career as an electronic technician but later pursued music full-time, founding Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976. The group quickly became a household name, with Bello gaining admiration for his energetic performances and hit songs such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de.
In 1979, Bello traveled to London to record the album Ahuja in London, an experience that also brought him into contact with global reggae legend Bob Marley.
However, his career was tragically disrupted on July 24, 1982, when he was involved in an accident just a month before his 40th birthday. Despite this, his contributions to Juju music cemented his place as one of Nigeria’s iconic musical figures.
