Legendary Juju Maestro Ahuja Bello Passes Away at 83 — Just a Day After His Birthday
Full-Length Feature Article
Nigeria mourns the passing of Ahuja Bello — a true icon of Juju music — who passed away early Monday, just a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday. Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, his demise was confirmed by his son, Adetunji Bello, earlier today.
The Journey from Technician to Juju Legend
Before his rise in music, Bello was an electronic technician. However, in 1976, passion won over profession when he founded Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, launching what would become an electrifying career on the Juju scene.
The band quickly became a household name, delivering energetic performances and timeless tracks such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti De. Their 1979 trip to London to record Ahuja in London brought global exposure and even a chance encounter with reggae legend Bob Marley.
Adversity and Legacy
At the height of his career, Bello faced a life-altering setback in July 1982 when he was involved in a severe accident just weeks shy of his 40th birthday. Though the incident curtailed his career, his musical legacy endured in the hearts of Juju lovers across Nigeria.
Over the years, he earned the moniker “the man with nine lives”, demonstrating resilience by returning to music with live performances that amazed fans—even up to his 80th birthday. His voice, according to admirers, remained as strong and vibrant as in his younger days.
Family Tribute and Farewell
His daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi, paid a touching tribute on social media, writing:
“Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello. We love you but God loves you more.”
The Golden Eagles Band added a moving homage:
“Though you are gone, your light continues to shine in our hearts. RIP Ahuja Bello.”
A Musical Legacy That Endures
As a singer, guitarist, and bandleader, Ahuja Bello shaped the golden era of Juju music alongside his contemporaries in the 1970s and 1980s. His compositions remain cherished cultural artifacts—celebrated on airwaves, in gatherings, and across generations.
Final Reflection
Ahuja Bello was more than a musician; he was a vibrant thread in Nigeria’s cultural tapestry. From technical beginnings to global stages, his journey embodied passion, resilience, and artistry. Though he’s gone, the rhythms and spirit he created will echo on—transforming grief into gratitude for a life beautifully lived.
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