Alhaji Love Azeez Oladeji, widely recognised as the oldest active Fuji musician, has passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
Life and Legacy
The General Secretary of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Adekunle Abiodun, confirmed the death in a Facebook post, describing the veteran artiste as “Baba wa,” a term of respect for esteemed elders in the Fuji community.
Oladeji was celebrated as a pioneer and longest‑serving practitioner of Fuji, a genre that remains one of Nigeria’s most influential indigenous musical styles. His death is seen as the close of a chapter for admirers of traditional Yoruba music and members of the Fuji music industry.
In accordance with Islamic rites, he was laid to rest on Thursday, June 18. Family members, associates, and fellow Fuji musicians attended the burial prayers and interment.
His passing adds to the growing list of notable losses in Nigeria’s entertainment sector over recent months.
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