Veteran Juju music legend Ahuja Bello has passed away at the age of 83, just a day after celebrating his birthday. His son, Adetunji Bello, announced his death in a statement on Sunday.
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a celebrated Juju singer, guitarist, and band leader. Before pursuing music full-time, he worked as an electronic technician, but in 1976 he followed his passion and founded Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, a group that went on to dominate the Juju scene.
Known for his energetic stagecraft and timeless hits like Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de, Bello’s influence extended beyond Nigeria. In 1979, he traveled to London to record Ahuja in London, where he met international stars including reggae icon Bob Marley.
Although his career was cut short by a tragic accident on July 24, 1982, just weeks before his 40th birthday, Ahuja Bello’s music and legacy endured, earning him a revered place in Nigeria’s musical history.
