The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Juju musician, Ismaila Dele Bello, popularly known as Ahuja Bello, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, August 25, 2025, just a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.
The sad news was confirmed by his son, Adetunji Bello, who described his father’s passing as a peaceful transition after a life well-lived.
Born on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello began his career as an electronic technician before finding his true calling in music. In 1976, he founded Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, a group that quickly rose to fame in Nigeria’s Juju music scene of the late 1970s and 1980s.
Known for evergreen hits such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de, Ahuja Bello carved a niche for himself with his energetic stage performances and unique sound. His musical journey also took him beyond Nigeria’s borders; in 1979, he recorded Ahuja in London, a landmark project that reportedly brought him in contact with reggae legend, Bob Marley.
Unfortunately, his blossoming career was disrupted in July 1982, when he was involved in a ghastly accident just weeks before his 40th birthday. The incident cut short his active career, but his influence remained strong in Juju music circles, with many younger artists drawing inspiration from his works.
Despite health challenges, including the long-term effects of the accident, Ahuja Bello remained a revered figure in Nigerian music, admired for his resilience and contribution to the growth of Juju music.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, fellow musicians, and cultural enthusiasts, celebrating him as a true pioneer whose legacy will continue to resonate for generations.
Ahuja Bello’s passing marks the end of an era, but his music and memories will forever live on in the hearts of Juju lovers and the Nigerian entertainment industry at large.