One of the leading lights of Juju music in the 1970 – 80s, Ismaila Dele Bello, aka Ahuja Bello, has died at the age of 83.
Bello passed away early Monday, 25 August, 2025, a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.
His band page, with the username Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, also confirmed the news. It states: “Though you are gone, your light continues to shine in our hearts. RIP Ahuja Bello.”
His death was confirmed on Monday, 25 August, 2025, in a tribute post on Facebook by his daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi.
“Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello.
“We love you but God loves you more,” Aderemi wrote.
Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello carved out a name for himself as a celebrated Juju singer, guitarist, and band leader during the 1970s and 1980s.
Before venturing fully into music, Bello worked as an electronic technician. In 1976, however, he pursued his passion by founding Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, a group that would go on to dominate the Juju music scene.
Bello’s career was abruptly disrupted by an accident on July 24, 1982, just weeks before his 40th birthday. But his legacy remained intact, securing him a revered place in Nigeria’s rich musical history.
He was widely admired for his vibrant stage presence and evergreen hits such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de. In 1979, he traveled to London to record Ahuja in London, an experience that brought him into contact with global stars, including reggae legend Bob Marley.
