Veteran Fuji Music Icon Passes Away, Industry Mourns

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigerian music industry has been plunged into mourning following the passing of veteran juju musician, Prof. Y.K. Ajao. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed at the time of filing this report, however tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, admirers, and stakeholders across the entertainment and cultural sectors.

Afrojuju legend, Sir Shina Peters, described the late musician as a very close associate, noting that Ajao was more than a friend but a brother whose life and musical contributions left a lasting impression. He added that the memories they shared would remain unforgettable, while emphasizing that Ajao’s legacy in the music industry would continue to endure.

Born in Iseyin, in Nigeria’s South-West region, Ajao developed an early passion for music and later joined a band in Ibadan, where he began shaping his craft. He subsequently founded his own group, Y.K. Ajao and His Professional Brothers Band, through which he established his presence in the juju music genre.

His breakthrough came with the release of Makosa Series 1, which brought him into the limelight during a transformative era for juju music. He later followed up with other notable projects such as Makosa Series 2 and Vigilante, further strengthening his influence within and beyond Nigeria.

Throughout his career, he also received recognition from juju music icon King Sunny Ade, who honoured him with a ceremonial title at a major event in Lagos during the height of the genre’s popularity. Beyond performance, Ajao was also known for blending music with academic insight, contributing to the preservation and development of traditional Nigerian sound.