Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned Juju Makosa musician, Professor Yekini “Y.K.” Ajao, who passed away after undergoing multiple surgeries at a hospital in India.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the late musician as a legendary figure in the Nigerian music industry and a close personal friend. Adeleke praised Ajao’s immense contributions to juju music, noting that he was an innovator, entertainer, and a unique talent whose style stood out.
“I lost a very close friend, Y.K. We prayed for him to survive, but God ruled otherwise. I commiserate with his family and our circle of friends, notably Sir Shina Peters and others. His memories remain evergreen. He was a true music legend,” the governor said.
Adeleke also recalled Ajao’s performance during the inauguration of his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the first executive governor of Osun State, describing the deceased as a “colossal musical figure.”
Profile of a Music Pioneer
Late Professor Yekini Ajao was born in Iseyin, Oyo State, and began his musical journey at the age of nine. He was widely credited as the originator of Juju Makosa, a distinctive genre that blended traditional juju rhythms with modern influences.
Inspired by the music of the late I.K. Dairo, Ajao pursued a career in music after early training as both a fashion designer under Josy Ade and a nurse under Gbolahan in Iseyin. He later abandoned both professions to focus fully on music.
In 1971, he relocated to Lagos, where he joined a band led by Captain R. Ade. By December 1973, he had formed his own group, marking the beginning of a successful solo career.
Although his debut album, Soromi Dayo, received modest recognition, Ajao gained widespread acclaim with Macossa Series 1. He went on to release several notable tracks, including Makosa Series 2, Vigilante, Akoni Mamu Gege, and Oro NEPA.
His death marks the end of an era for Juju Makosa music and the broader Nigerian music landscape.
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