Nigeria’s music scene has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned juju musician, Professor Y.K. Ajao. The circumstances surrounding his passing had not been made public at the time of filing this report.
News of his death has sparked tributes from colleagues and fans across the entertainment industry, with many describing him as a respected figure whose influence helped shape the juju music genre.
Afro-juju musician Sir Shina Peters expressed deep sadness over the loss, saying Ajao was more than a colleague and would be remembered for his sound, personality, and friendship. He added that the late musician’s contributions and memories would continue to live on through his work.
Born in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ajao developed an interest in music early in life before joining a band in Ibadan. He later went on to establish his own group known as Y.K. Ajao and His Professional Brothers Band, through which he gained wider recognition.
His rise in the industry came with the release of Makosa Series 1, a project that helped establish his presence during a transformative period for juju music. He followed it up with other works such as Makosa Series 2 and Vigilante, further strengthening his reputation both locally and internationally.
Throughout his career, Ajao was acknowledged within the music community, including a ceremonial honour presented to him by juju legend King Sunny Ade during a major music event in Lagos.
Beyond performing, he was also regarded as an academic-minded artist who contributed to the preservation and development of indigenous Nigerian music traditions.
Tributes continue to pour in as the industry reflects on his legacy and impact.
