Fuji legend Love Azeez buried in Lagos

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

The respected singer reportedly died 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 (FUMAN), Adekunle Abiodun, in a Facebook post.

Family members, friends, fellow entertainers, and admirers gathered on Thursday to bid him farewell in line with Islamic burial traditions.

In his tribute, Abiodun prayed for the deceased, saying, “May the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest, console his family, friends, fans, professional colleagues, and well-wishers to bear the irreparable loss.”

Among those present at the burial were former Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji, and Fuji star Musibau “Omo Kekere” Alani, who serves as Vice President of FUMAN. 

They joined members of the association and other Fuji artistes in paying their final respects to the late music icon.

Love Azeez was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s music industry. He served as President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in 1989 and later headed COSON.

Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Fuji music, he played a significant role in the development and growth of the genre, which emerged in Lagos during the 1960s and gained mainstream popularity through the efforts of Fuji legend Ayinde Barrister.

Throughout a career that spanned several decades, Love Azeez remained influential in the Fuji scene and earned widespread admiration from lovers of traditional Yoruba music.

Renowned for his authentic Fuji sound and distinctive vocal delivery, he gained recognition with hit songs including Ijapari, Barrister & Kollington’s Fight, and Alarape.

In a past interview with Kasnatysugar, the late singer revealed that his musical journey began in Agege, Lagos, where he performed Wéré music before eventually transitioning into Fuji, a move that helped shape his enduring legacy in Nigerian music.

Fuji legend Love Azeez buried in Lagos