Fuji legend Love Azeez buried in Lagos
Veteran Fuji Musician Abdul “Love Azeez” Oladeji Laid to Rest at 81
Abdul “Love Azeez” Azeez Oladeji, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Fuji music scene, was laid to rest on Thursday in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State, following his death at the age of 81.
Azeez passed away on Wednesday evening at his residence in Lagos, reportedly after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by Adekunle Abiodun, General Secretary of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), through a Facebook post.
Family members, friends, fellow entertainers, and admirers gathered to pay their respects in accordance with Islamic burial traditions.
In a tribute, Abiodun offered prayers for Azeez, saying, “May the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and console his family, friends, fans, professional colleagues, and well-wishers to bear this irreparable loss.”
Attendees at the burial included Tony Okoroji, former Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), and Musibau “Omo Kekere” Alani, Vice President of FUMAN. They were joined by fellow Fuji artists and members of the association in honoring Azeez’s legacy.
Love Azeez was a significant figure in Nigeria’s music landscape, having served as President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in 1989 and later leading COSON.
Regarded as one of the pioneers of Fuji music, he contributed to the genre’s development, which originated in Lagos in the 1960s. The genre gained mainstream popularity through the efforts of Fuji legend Ayinde Barrister.
Throughout a career spanning several decades, Azeez remained influential in the Fuji music scene and garnered admiration from fans of traditional Yoruba music.
He was known for his unique sound and vocal delivery, with hits such as “Ijapari,” “Barrister & Kollington’s Fight,” and “Alarape.”
In a previous interview, Azeez shared that his musical journey began in Agege, Lagos, where he performed Wéré music before transitioning into Fuji, a pivotal move that solidified his legacy in Nigerian music.
