LAGOS, Nigeria — One of the oldest surviving Fuji musicians and a pioneer of the genre, Alhaji Azeez Oladeji, popularly known as Love Azeez, has been buried in Lagos following his death at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
The Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) announced his passing in a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, describing the loss as a monumental one to the Fuji music community. “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.
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 (COSON), 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.
Love Azeez was widely regarded as one of the pioneers and longest-serving practitioners of Fuji music, a Yoruba genre that emerged in Lagos in the 1960s and was popularised by the late Fuji creator, Ayinde Barrister. Over a career spanning several decades, he remained a steadfast presence in the industry, earning the admiration of fellow Fuji musicians and fans of traditional Yoruba music.
Known for his traditional vocal style and deep roots in the original Fuji sound, Love Azeez rose to fame with songs such as “Ijapari,” “Barrister & Kollington’s Fight,” and “Alarape.” He began his career in Agege, Lagos, performing Wéré music before transitioning to Fuji.
Before his death, Love Azeez served as President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in 1989 and later chaired the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), 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,” the association stated.
His passing marks the end of a long career that spanned several decades and earned him respect among musicians and fans of traditional Yoruba music. Love Azeez leaves behind a musical legacy that remains part of the story of Fuji music in Nigeria.
