Popular Nigerian Juju and Highlife musician, Mrs. Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, widely known as Saint Janet and affectionately called “Mama Yabis,” has died after a brief illness.
The singer reportedly passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing to an end a music career that spanned decades and earned her a loyal fan base across Nigeria.
Saint Janet rose to prominence in the early 2000s for her energetic stage performances and distinctive musical style, which blended gospel-style introductions and Christian hymns with secular Yoruba lyrics. She became one of the most recognisable figures in the Juju and Highlife music scene, attracting both admiration and controversy for her bold lyrical content.
Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and lovers of Nigerian music, many of whom have described her as an entertainer who left a lasting mark on the industry.
Details surrounding her funeral arrangements have yet to be announced by the family.
Saint Janet’s passing marks the end of an era for many followers of Juju music.
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