Nigerian Juju Music Legend Ahuja Bello Passes Away at 83
The Nigerian music industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Juju music legend Ahuja Bello, who passed away on August 25, 2025, just one day after celebrating his 83rd birthday. His son, Adetunji Bello, confirmed the sad news.
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a talented Juju singer, guitarist, and band leader. His unique sound, style, and stage presence made him one of the most celebrated musicians of his time.
In 1976, he formed Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, which went on to play a vital role in shaping Juju music in Nigeria. The band’s creativity and energy helped define the golden years of the genre, leaving behind timeless songs that still resonate with fans.
Some of his most popular hits include Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de, songs that became household favorites across Nigeria. In 1979, he released Ahuja in London, an album recorded in the UK, where he also met global music stars such as Bob Marley, further cementing his status as an international name.
His career, however, suffered a setback in 1982 when an accident disrupted his performances. Despite this, Bello’s influence never faded. He remained a pioneer of Juju music and inspired future generations of Nigerian musicians who drew from his sound and creativity.
Bello’s passing has been described as the end of an era, as he belonged to the group of Juju icons who laid the foundation for the genre’s rise in Nigeria and beyond. His contributions ensured that Juju music remained a central part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Tributes have since poured in from fans, colleagues, and music lovers across the country, who praised him for his remarkable contributions to the industry. Many described his songs as timeless works that carried joy, culture, and unity into homes and celebrations.
Although Ahuja Bello has passed on, his legacy lives through his recordings, his band’s history, and the generations of musicians he inspired. His name will forever be associated with the story of Juju music as one of its greatest pioneers.
