Veteran Juju musician from the 1970s, Ahuja Bello, has passed away.

According to PUNCH Online, he died on Monday, just one day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

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His daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi, confirmed his death on Monday through a tribute post on Facebook.

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“Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello.

“We love you but God loves you more,” Aderemi wrote.

The news was also confirmed by his band’s official page, Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, which stated, “Though you are gone, your light continues to shine in our hearts. RIP Ahuja Bello.”

Ismaila Dele Bello, popularly known as Ahuja Bello, was born on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State. He became a celebrated Juju musician, guitarist, and vocalist who gained prominence during the 1970s and 1980s.

He started as an electronic technician before following his passion for music, eventually establishing his band, “Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band,” in 1976.

Widely respected in the Nigerian Juju music scene, Bello earned recognition for his lively stage performances and successful albums such as Awa ti Danfo and Ariya ti de.

In 1979, he journeyed to London to record Ahuja in London, during which he developed a friendship with reggae legend Bob Marley.

Bello’s musical journey was sadly cut short following a tragic accident on July 24, 1982, just a month before his 40th birthday.