Nigeria’s music industry woke up to sombre news this weekend, as word spread that veteran Juju and Highlife singer Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore — known to fans across the country and beyond as St. Janet — had died.
Her death was announced not by family, but through a Sunday-morning Facebook post from Otunba Femi Davies, a publisher and well-known socialite, who described her passing after what he called a brief illness.
Davies did not disclose the nature of the illness that led to her passing, and as of the initial reports, her family had yet to issue an official statement regarding her passing or release details regarding funeral arrangements.
Some early accounts even framed the news as unconfirmed, noting that family confirmation is still awaited, though multiple outlets have since run with the report as established.
For those unfamiliar with her work, St. Janet carved out a distinctive place in a genre dominated by men.
Her career contributed to the visibility of female artistes within a genre that has historically been dominated by male musicians, and she distinguished herself with an unmistakable stage presence, powerful vocals and a repertoire that celebrated culture, relationships, social values and community life.
One tribute affectionately remembered her as the “Mama Yabis of Saint Bottles Cathedral” a nod to the sharp-tongued, unfiltered party anthems that made her a fixture at Nigerian social gatherings.
Her career spanned several decades, during which she remained committed to promoting indigenous music, staying relevant in an evolving entertainment landscape without abandoning the cultural identity that defined her artistry. That longevity, paired with her raw stagecraft, is why tributes have continued to pour in from fans, colleagues and admirers since news of her death broke.
Her passing also drew comparisons to the giants who shaped the genre before her Juju music… has been shaped by legendary artistes including King Sunny Ade and the late Ebenezer Obey, who helped take Nigerian traditional music to global audiences.
St. Janet’s death adds her name to that lineage of performers whose work kept Yoruba popular music alive for new generations, even as, per multiple reports, her death adds to the list of Nigerian musicians who have left lasting impressions through their artistic contributions.
As of this writing, no cause of death has been confirmed, and burial arrangements have not been made public.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian Juju and Highlife singer St. Janet (Iyun Janet Ajilore) has died after a brief illness, with her death announced on Facebook by publisher Femi Davies rather than confirmed directly by her family.
Beyond the loss itself, the key takeaway is her legacy: she broke ground as one of the few prominent female voices in a male-dominated genre, using vibrant performances and unfiltered party anthems to earn a devoted following at home and abroad.
Details on the cause of death and funeral arrangements remain unconfirmed.
