Fuji Music Veteran Love Azeez Laid to Rest in Lagos at 81 as Industry Mourns Icon

Veteran Fuji musician Abdul Azeez Oladeji, popularly known as Love Azeez, has been laid to rest in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State, following his death at the age of 81.

The respected singer reportedly passed away on Wednesday evening at his Lagos residence after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by the General Secretary of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Adekunle Abiodun, in a Facebook post.

Family members, friends, colleagues and admirers gathered on Thursday to pay their final respects as he was buried according to Islamic rites.

In a tribute, Abiodun prayed for the late musician and offered condolences to his family, fans and colleagues, asking Allah to grant him eternal rest.

Among those present at the burial were former Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, Tony Okoroji, and Fuji musician Musibau Alani, who serves as Vice President of FUMAN.

Love Azeez was regarded as one of the important figures in the history of Fuji music. He served as President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria in 1989 and later played a role in copyright administration through COSON.

A pioneer of Fuji music, he contributed greatly to the growth of the genre, which developed in Lagos during the 1960s and later became one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional music styles through the efforts of legends such as Ayinde Barrister.

Throughout his decades-long career, Love Azeez built a reputation for his unique voice, authentic Fuji style and deep connection with Yoruba music lovers. His popular songs, including “Ijapari,” “Barrister & Kollington’s Fight,” and “Alarape,” remain part of his musical legacy.

The late singer once revealed that his journey began in Agege, Lagos, where he performed Wéré music before transitioning into Fuji, a move that helped establish his place in the evolution of the genre.

His passing marks the end of an era for Fuji music, with many remembering him as a key contributor whose work helped preserve and promote one of Nigeria’s most cherished musical traditions.