Veteran Juju musician Professor Y.K. Ajao is dead. The AJUMN confirms the passing of the Makosa pioneer, known for decades of influence on Nigerian music
The Nigerian Juju music scene is mourning the loss of one of its veteran figures, Yekini Kolawole Ajao, widely known as Professor Y.K. Ajao.
An official announcement from the Association of Juju Musicians of Nigeria (AJUMN) Lagos State Chapter, signed by Prince Segun Genesis (PSG), confirmed the passing with deep sorrow.
The statement described it as a great loss to the Juju music family and the entire AJUMN community. Details on burial arrangements and other important information will be shared as soon as they become available. The announcement ended with prayers that his soul rests in perfect peace.
Professor Y.K. Ajao was born in Iseyin, Oyo State.
He began playing music as an amateur in 1962 at the age of nine in his hometown.
He turned professional in 1973 at around age 23, forming his band Y.K. Ajao and His Professional Brothers Band (also styled as Profesional Brothers Band). He joined other bands in Ibadan earlier in his journey before striking out on his own.
He became celebrated for pioneering and popularizing the Juju Makosa (or Juju Makossa) style, a lively fusion that combined core Juju elements such as guitar rhythms, talking drums, and praise singing with highlife and makossa influences. This created highly danceable and celebratory sounds that gained strong followings.
Key releases included albums in the Makosa Series, Juju Makosa Calculation (released in 1991 on the Ogo Oluwakitan label), Makosa Superstar, and others like Vigilante. Earlier tracks such as Akoni Mamu Gege and Oro NEPA also formed part of his discography.
Ajao was regarded as a bridge in the Juju tradition, drawing influences while innovating within it.
He spoke publicly about his respect for elders in the genre, including Commander Ebenezer Obey, and his interactions with figures like King Sunny Ade and the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
In interviews he shared candid views on music history, including debates over styles like Peperempe, and credited spiritual and professional support from peers.
He was once crowned with the “Professor” title during a performance in his early career by Art Alade, reflecting his mastery and elder status in the circle.
Over more than five decades, he maintained a dedicated audience through live shows, radio play, and recordings that continue to be appreciated today.
He was known for adapting to trends, including shifts in Juju during the era of artists like Shina Peters.
Ajao described himself as a polygamist who preferred not to have multiple wives under one roof to preserve harmony, and he expressed gratitude for his longevity and ongoing relevance in the industry in later interviews.
The AJUMN serves as a key body supporting Juju practitioners and promoting the genre. The announcement from its Lagos State Chapter highlights the respect Ajao held among colleagues.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to preserve traditional Nigerian music forms.
Fans and fellow musicians are expected to pay tributes in the coming days. As burial plans are finalized by the family and the association, the music community will reflect on his contributions to keeping Juju vibrant across generations.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Further updates on funeral arrangements will be released when available.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
