Legendary Fuji artist Love Azeez buried in Lagos

Abdul “Love Azeez” Azeez Oladeji, a veteran Fuji musician, was buried in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State, after passing away at 81.

He reportedly died on Wednesday evening at his Lagos home after a brief illness.

The General Secretary of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Adekunle Abiodun, confirmed the death in a Facebook post.

On Thursday, family, friends, fellow entertainers, and admirers gathered to bid farewell in accordance with Islamic burial customs.

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

Attending the burial were former Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji, and Fuji star Musibau “Omo Kekere” Alani, Vice President of FUMAN.

They joined FUMAN members and other Fuji artists to pay final respects to the late icon.

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

Widely regarded as a pioneer of Fuji music, he significantly contributed to the genre’s development and growth, which originated in Lagos in the 1960s and achieved mainstream popularity thanks to Fuji legend Ayinde Barrister.

Over a career spanning several decades, Love Azeez remained influential in the Fuji scene, earning widespread admiration from lovers of traditional Yoruba music.

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

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