Legendary juju musician Ahuja Bello has passed away at the age of 83. His son, Adetunji Bello, confirmed the news to Vanguard, stating that the musician died in the early hours of August 24, just a day after celebrating his birthday.
Adetunji Bello said, “Yes, my dad is dead. He had been sick for some time. He was loved by everybody, and we will greatly miss him.”
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello was a renowned guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader who rose to prominence in the 1970s and early 1980s. Initially an electronic technician, he later pursued his passion for music, forming Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band in 1976.
Bello was celebrated for his energetic performances and hit albums such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de. In 1979, he traveled to London to record Ahuja in London, where he also interacted with global stars, including reggae legend Bob Marley.
His career was tragically interrupted by an accident in July 1982, but his legacy as a key figure in Nigerian juju music endures. Music historian Ayọ̀délé Ìbíyẹmí noted that Bello’s songs often featured storytelling and folk lyrics, reflecting Yoruba praise-singing traditions rooted in his childhood as a drummer in Iseyin.
Over the years, Bello was signed to prominent Nigerian record labels, including Afrodisia and Ibukun Orisun Iye, and remains a revered figure in the nation’s music history.
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has opened up about the reaction she received after publicly identifying as a Muslim, revealing that some of her Christian fans unfollowed her because of her religious identity.
The actress said she initially found it difficult to openly discuss her faith because of what she described as the pressures associated with being a public figure in the Nollywood industry.
According to Ade, publicly identifying as a Muslim within the Nigerian film industry can be difficult, and she described the situation as “almost forbidden” based on her personal experience.
She explained that she eventually became tired of keeping her religious identity private and decided to be open about her faith.
Ade said the decision came with consequences, including losing some followers and receiving messages from people who questioned her choice.
“Some people unfollowed me. I got DMs from people trying to cast out spirits. Some people prayed for me,” she said while discussing her experience.
However, the actress added that she also received considerable support from Muslims, many of whom welcomed her more warmly after she publicly acknowledged her faith.
Ade stressed that her decision to practise Islam should not be interpreted as an attack on Christianity or Christians.
She said she had experienced both Christian and Muslim religious environments and was not suggesting that Christianity was a bad religion. Rather, she explained that Islam was the faith that worked for her personally.
The actress’ comments have renewed attention on her long-standing and publicly discussed religious journey, which has included experiences with both Christianity and Islam.
Ade had previously spoken about her faith in 2020, explaining that she was born and raised Muslim but grew up in a family where different religious traditions were represented.
She said her father allowed his children to choose their preferred religion, while members of her extended family included both Christians and Muslims.
Ade said she later returned to Islam on December 31, 2016, after reflecting on her religious identity and concerns about how people might react to her decision.
She said at the time that returning to Islam made her feel happier and more fulfilled.
Her religious identity also came under renewed public discussion in 2026 after she was seen attending an event at a Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos.
Following questions from social media users about whether she had returned to Christianity, Ade clarified that she remained a practising Muslim.
She explained that her presence at the church-related event was connected to her professional relationship with the celebrant and was not evidence of a change in her religion.
Ade’s latest comments therefore provide further context to a faith journey she has discussed publicly over several years.
While describing her experience as difficult at times, she maintained that her decision to openly identify as a Muslim was ultimately a personal one.
Her statement that being openly Muslim in Nollywood is “almost forbidden” reflects her personal experience and perception; it should not be taken as evidence of a formal industry-wide rule restricting actors from publicly identifying with a particular religion.
The actress’ disclosure has also highlighted the wider challenges public figures can face when personal beliefs become subjects of public discussion, particularly in an industry where celebrities often maintain diverse fan bases with different religious and cultural backgrounds.
Adunni Ade Reveals Christian Fans Unfollowed Her After Publicly Identifying as Muslim
BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, Atiku Mourns Cultural Icon
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar describing the late Nollywood icon as “an institution” and “a cultural icon” whose contribution helped shape Nigeria’s creative industry.
Jacobs’ death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and called on bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” Olusoji said in the announcement.
Reacting to the death, Atiku said Nigeria had lost far more than a great actor, describing Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
The former vice president said Jacobs had become part of the collective memory of generations of Nigerians through his distinctive voice, commanding performances and decades of dedication to his craft.
According to Atiku, Jacobs was already making his mark internationally before Nollywood emerged as a global phenomenon, and his career helped lay foundations for the Nigerian film industry while inspiring younger generations of actors.
“The curtain may have fallen on an extraordinary life, but the characters he gave us, the standards he set and the generations he inspired will continue to speak for him,” Atiku said.
He expressed condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider Jacobs family, as well as members of Nollywood and the African creative community.
Atiku said Jacobs “gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence,” adding that the country would remember him with pride, affection and gratitude.
Jacobs, whose career spanned theatre, British television, international film and Nollywood, was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He became one of Nigeria’s most recognisable screen and stage actors and was associated with the development of the Nigerian film industry.
His death marks the end of a career spanning more than five decades and has already triggered tributes from political figures, actors and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Shimmer and Style: Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Colman Domingo Light Up the Emmys Red Carpet
From custom metallics to soft pastels and playful statuette cosplay, television’s top stars bring high fashion to Los Angeles
Top television stars gathered in Los Angeles on Monday evening for the annual Emmy Awards, showcasing an array of creative outfits and modern styles.
The ceremony, often described as television’s version of the Oscars, brought actors together at the Peacock Theater to celebrate the year’s best performances and share memorable fashion choices with fans worldwide.
Shimmering gold and silver fabrics were popular choices throughout the arrival walk. Zendaya chose an embroidered silver gown by Prada paired with diamond earrings, while Selena Gomez appeared in a fitted, floor-length gold dress by Louis Vuitton.
The host for the night, Mariska Hargitay, wore a bright red gown with a trailing design, attending alongside her daughter in matching styles that paid tribute to her mother, actor Jayne Mansfield.
Other guests chose calm, lighter colors such as soft lavender, sky blue, and gentle green. Actors Elle Fanning and Sarah Pidgeon selected simple, elegant slip dresses that focused on subtle beading and clean silhouettes.
Menswear also showed fresh variety, with Colman Domingo combining a tailored jacket with a colorful waist sash. Adding humor and fun to the red carpet, actor Meg Stalter appeared dressed as the winged Emmy trophy itself, bringing a lighthearted touch to the celebration.
Shimmer and Style: Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Colman Domingo Light Up the Emmys Red Carpet
