Veteran juju musician Prof YK Ajao is dead.
Details surrounding his death remain unclear, but tributes have begun to emerge from across the entertainment and cultural space.
Among those paying tribute is fellow Afrojuju star Shina Peters, who described Ajao as a brother whose sound, spirit and presence would not be forgotten.
“Still hard to believe. You weren’t just a friend, you were my brother. Prof Y.K Ajao, your sound, your spirit, your presence; unforgettable,” Peters said.
Continuing, he said, “Thank you for everything. I’ll carry the memories always. Rest well, my brother. Your legacy lives on, your music lives on, and you will never be forgotten,”
Born in Iseyin, south west Nigeria, Ajao developed an early interest in music and began performing at a young age. He later joined a band in Ibadan before forming his group, Y K Ajao and His Professional Brothers Band.
His breakthrough came with the release of ‘Makosa Series 1’, which brought him wider attention during a period of change in juju music. He followed this with projects such as ‘Makosa Series 2’ and ‘Vigilante’, contributing to the genre’s growth locally and internationally.
Ajao was recognised within the industry and was crowned with a ceremonial title by King Sunny Ade during a major promotional event in Lagos at the height of juju music’s popularity.
He was known for his Makosa style within the juju tradition and recorded songs such as ‘Akoni Mamu Gege’ and ‘Oro NEPA’, which formed part of his catalogue before his rise to prominence.
Reports indicate that the musician died at the age of 72, although his family has yet to release an official statement confirming the cause and circumstances of his death.
