Veteran Juju music star Ahuja Bello has died, a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.His daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post on Monday, writing, “Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello. We love you but God loves you more.” His band’s official page, Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, also shared the news, stating, “Though you are gone, your light continues to shine in our hearts. RIP Ahuja Bello.”
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, he began his career as an electronic technician before fully pursuing music. He founded Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976 and became a prominent figure in the Juju scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Known for his energetic performances and classic albums such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de, Bello gained national recognition. In 1979, he traveled to London to record Ahuja in London and struck a friendship with reggae icon Bob Marley. His career was cut short in 1982 after a tragic accident, just weeks before his 40th birthday, but his influence on Nigerian Juju music endured.
Source: https://punchng.com/
