Popular Nigerian juju musician Yekini Kolawole Ajao, known as Y.K. Ajao, has died. His death was announced in a statement posted on fellow musician Shina Peters’ Instagram page on Friday night.
Peters described him as “not just a friend, but my brother.” Y.K. Ajao went professional in 1973 when he formed his own band, ‘Y.K. Ajao & His Professional Brothers Band’. He created a distinctive sub-style called ‘Juju Makossa’.
Key Points:
Nigerian music loses a pioneer of the juju and Juju Makossa genres.
Y.K. Ajao’s professional career spanned over five decades since 1973.
Shina Peters led tributes, calling him unforgettable.
His distinctive ‘Juju Makossa’ style influenced generations of musicians.
His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work.
The Nigerian music community will mourn a legend whose sound shaped juju music.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria (Vanessa Onah)