Juju Singer St Janet Dies After Brief Illness

Popular juju and highlife musician St Janet has died after a brief illness, according to reports carried by several Nigerian outlets on Sunday.

The singer, whose full name was Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, reportedly died on Saturday. Her death was announced by publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies, while Premium Times also reported that musician Akinola “Alayo Melody Singer” Michael broke the news on Instagram.

St Janet built a following with Yoruba juju, highlife and party-themed songs. Premium Times reported that she gained wider attention with her 2013 album “Faaji Plus”, whose explicit lyrics drew sanctions from music industry bodies and Lagos lawmakers.

Her appeal came from a stage style that mixed music, humour and blunt party commentary. That made her a familiar name at social events and among listeners who followed Yoruba live-band music beyond the usual mainstream pop circuit.

Vanguard, Daily Post and Punch all reported Davies’ announcement and the brief-illness account. The reports did not include funeral arrangements.

Her death is a notable loss for a corner of Nigerian popular music that often lives more through parties, live performances and word of mouth than through formal charts.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post, Premium Times, Punch