Nigeria has lost one of its musical treasures as Ahuja Bello, the celebrated Juju music icon of the 1970s, passed away on Sunday at the age of 83.

The news was confirmed in a statement by his son, Adetunji Bello, who revealed that the singer died just a day after marking his 83rd birthday.

Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello was a household name in the golden era of Juju music. A talented guitarist, singer, and band leader, he captured hearts in the 1970s and 1980s with his vibrant performances and timeless classics such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de.

Before his rise in music, Bello worked as an electronic technician. However, in 1976, he followed his passion by establishing Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, which soon became a force in the Juju music landscape. His musical journey also took him beyond Nigeria’s shores; in 1979, he recorded the album Ahuja in London, an opportunity that allowed him to mingle with global stars, including reggae legend Bob Marley.

Tragically, his flourishing career was cut short in 1982 after an accident just weeks before his 40th birthday. Yet, despite that setback, his legacy endured, cementing his place in Nigeria’s rich cultural and musical history.

Opinion: Ahuja Bello, A Reminder of Nigeria’s Forgotten Legends

The passing of Ahuja Bello is not just the loss of an individual but a reminder of the fading glory of Nigeria’s Juju music era—a time when indigenous sounds dominated the airwaves before the rise of Afrobeats.

What makes Bello’s story striking is not just his talent, but his resilience. Despite an accident that stalled his career, his name never disappeared from Nigeria’s musical consciousness. His songs still spark nostalgia among older generations and serve as cultural touchstones for younger Nigerians curious about their roots.

Yet, there’s also a bittersweet note here. Bello’s career was never celebrated to the same heights as contemporaries like King Sunny Ade or Chief Ebenezer Obey. His accident halted a journey that might have placed him at the very peak of Juju’s global influence. It is a sobering reflection of how easily Nigeria forgets some of its brightest stars.

Perhaps, Bello’s passing should reignite conversations about archiving, preserving, and celebrating Nigeria’s musical pioneers. Their works are not just entertainment; they are history, identity, and legacy. If the world remembers Bob Marley, why shouldn’t Nigeria ensure that Ahuja Bello, who once shared space with Marley, remains immortalized in our cultural memory?

As Nigeria bids him farewell, Ahuja Bello deserves more than mourning—he deserves celebration, not only for the music he gave but for the doors he helped open for today’s vibrant Nigerian sound.