Renowned Juju music icon Alhaji Ahuja Bello passed away in the early hours of Monday, August 25, just one day after celebrating his 83rd birthday. His son, Adetunji Bello, confirmed the news on Sunday, describing his father’s death as a profound loss to the Nigerian music community.
His daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi, also shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing, “Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello. We love you but God loves you more.” The family’s public outpouring of grief underscores the profound impact Bello had on those closest to him.
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a Juju singer, guitarist, and band leader. Audiences across Nigeria admired his smooth vocals and dynamic performances, cementing his status as one of the genre’s pioneers.
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Before dedicating himself fully to music, Bello worked as an electronic technician. In 1976, he founded Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, a group that would go on to dominate Nigeria’s Juju scene, blending traditional rhythms with modern instrumentation.nHe was celebrated for evergreen hits like Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de.
In 1979, Bello traveled to London to record Ahuja in London, where he crossed paths with reggae legend Bob Marley, further broadening his artistic horizons.Though his career was tragically disrupted by a serious accident on July 24, 1982, just weeks before his 40th birthday. Ahuja Bello’s legacy has endured.
Today, he is remembered as a vibrant performer whose contributions helped shape the golden era of Juju music in Nigeria.
