One of the oldest surviving Fuji musicians and one of the pioneers of the genre, Alhaji Azeez Oladeji, popularly known as Love Azeez, has been buried in Lagos following his death.
The Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria announced his death in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Public Relations Officer, Ade Bola Muili, also known as King Kakaki Safarri.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria announces the passing of one of the foremost pioneers and the oldest living Fuji music legend, Alhaji Azeez Alarape Adio Oladeji, popularly known as Love Azeez, who departed this world last night,” the statement read.
FUMAN described the late singer as a revered icon whose contributions to the development and preservation of Fuji music spanned several decades.
“Alhaji Love Azeez was a revered icon whose contributions to the development, growth and preservation of Fuji music spanned several decades. His remarkable journey, wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the genre earned him a place of honour among the greats of Fuji music history.
“His passing marks the end of an era and a monumental loss to the Fuji music community,” the association added.
According to the family, the veteran musician was laid to rest on Thursday in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State, in accordance with Islamic rites after the Zuhr prayers.
Family members, friends, colleagues, admirers and members of the Fuji music community gathered at the burial to pay their final respects to the music icon.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was former Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, Tony Okoroji.
Also present was Fuji star and Vice President of FUMAN, Alhaji Musibau Alani, popularly known as Omo Kekere, who led members of the association’s executive and other Fuji artistes to honour the late musician.
Before his death, Love Azeez served as President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria in 1989 and later chaired the Copyright Society of Nigeria, where he contributed to the advancement of Nigeria’s music industry.
FUMAN President, Alhaji Sikiru Agboola Ayinde, popularly known as SK Sensation, alongside the association’s National Executive Council, described his death as an irreparable loss to the Fuji music industry.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family, friends, associates, admirers and the entire Fuji music fraternity worldwide. We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and gives his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
“Indeed, Fuji music has lost one of its oldest and brightest stars, but his legacy and contributions shall forever remain etched in the annals of history,” the association stated.
