Legendary Juju musician Ahuja Bello has passed away, just a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday. The news was confirmed on Sunday by his son, Adetunji Bello.
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, he started out as an electronic technician before fully giving his heart to music. By 1976, he had formed Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, a group that quickly became a household name in Nigeria’s Juju music scene throughout the late ’70s and ’80s.
Known for his electrifying performances and timeless hits like Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de, Bello left an indelible mark on the industry. In 1979, he traveled to London where he recorded Ahuja in London, a project that opened him to international audiences and even connected him with music legends like Bob Marley.
His career was tragically interrupted in 1982 following a serious accident, but his legacy remained intact. Ahuja Bello is remembered not only for his music but also for being one of the pioneering voices that helped shape and popularize Juju music in Nigeria.
