Akiin Shuga, Nigeria’s Live-Band Grandmaster, Dies at 50

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Akiin Shuga, Nigeria’s Live-Band Grandmaster, Dies at 50

Adedayo Adejobi

The Nigerian music community has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of its most beloved figures, Akinloye Tofowomo—popularly known as Akiin Shuga—who passed away on October 30, in New Brunswick, Canada. He was 50.

In a statement announcing his death, the family described him as a “revered music icon, Grandmaster, and custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.”

Born on January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Akiin Shuga’s life was a remarkable story of music, resilience, and purpose. Stricken by polio at the age of five, he rose above physical limitation to become one of Nigeria’s most dynamic live-band performers and music entrepreneurs. His journey from performing in small clubs to building a nationally recognised band mirrored Nigeria’s own rediscovery of live music as an art form.

In 1998, he founded the Shuga Band, which began performing at Pintos in Ikeja, Lagos. Over time, it grew into a 14-piece ensemble of instrumentalists, vocalists, and technicians famed for electrifying performances at corporate events, weddings, and state occasions. His company, Shuga Entertainment, became a benchmark for professionalism in live performance—combining artistry with discipline, and passion with polish.

Akiin Shuga was also the Founder and President of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON), where he championed the professionalisation of the live-music ecosystem and fair standards for musicians.

“Akiin was more than a performer; he was a reformer,” a very close colleague of the Late musician, said in a statement. “He brought dignity to a profession that was often misunderstood. He insisted that a live band was not just an accessory to parties but a pillar of our cultural economy. His leadership helped many of us see ourselves as entrepreneurs and brand custodians, not just entertainers.”

In an industry defined by fleeting fame, Akiin Shuga cultivated permanence. On stage, his charisma was matched by his devotion to structure behind the scenes—contracts, rehearsals, sound checks, and mentorships were handled with the precision of a conservatory conductor. He often reminded his band, “We don’t perform to impress; we perform to connect.”

That ethos defined his artistry and sustained the Shuga Band for more than two decades. The band’s leader, Reke Ofano, described him as both a taskmaster and a mentor. “Shuga never accepted mediocrity. At every gig, he demanded excellence. But behind that firmness was an enormous heart—he knew everyone’s birthday, everyone’s struggle, everyone’s dream. That’s what made us stay. We weren’t just a band; we were a family.”

Akiin Shuga’s intellectual curiosity and business acumen also distinguished him. After completing a programme in Music Business at the Berklee College of Music, Boston, he returned to Nigeria determined to modernise live performance. He introduced brand collaborations, stage choreography, and integrated digital sound engineering to the local circuit—innovations that redefined audience expectations and re-established live-band culture as premium entertainment.

Beyond music, he was a passionate advocate for people living with disabilities. Having lived with the effects of polio, he founded the Shuga Limb Foundation to support those with limb challenges. His appointment as Rotary International District Polio Ambassador in 2018 reflected his deep commitment to advocacy.

District Governor, Rotarian (Prince) Henry Olubowale Akinyele, described him as “a man who carried his scars like medals.” He said, “Akiin Shuga used his music to give voice to courage. He often said disability is not inability, and he lived that truth every day. Through his song I Can Walk, he gave polio survivors an anthem of hope.”

Over the years, Shuga Band became a fixture at high-profile weddings, state banquets, and corporate galas. Yet, despite performing for presidents and billionaires, Akiin Shuga remained grounded in humility and faith. Colleagues recall that he ended every show with a short prayer and the promise to “leave joy in the air.”

Tributes have since poured in from across the creative community, with singers, instrumentalists, and event professionals celebrating him as “the architect of modern live-band culture.”

The family, in their statement, expressed gratitude to all who have reached out in prayer and condolence. “As we come to terms with this immeasurable loss, we ask for quiet reflection and the space to honour his life in the intimacy of loved ones and cherished memories,” the statement read, adding that details of the memorial arrangements will be announced later.

Though gone, Akiin Shuga’s influence will reverberate for generations. His leadership helped elevate live-band performance from the periphery of Nigerian entertainment to the centre of its cultural identity. To the younger musicians he mentored, his life proved that integrity and showmanship can coexist.

“He taught us that music is service—to people, to God, and to joy itself,” said Ofano. “Even in death, he remains our Grandmaster.”

Akinloye Tofowomo is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and mother.

In the words of one of his own lyrics, “Every rhythm tells a story.” His story—rich with melody, meaning, and humanity—will continue to play in the hearts of those he inspired, and in every beat that moves to the sound of live music in Nigeria.

Ogun Partners EU on Solar Energy to Strengthen Healthcare Delivery 

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Ogun Partners EU on Solar Energy to Strengthen Healthcare Delivery 

James Sowole in Abeokuta

In a bold step toward sustainable healthcare delivery, the Ogun State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project, an initiative designed to provide clean, reliable, and renewable energy to health facilities across the state.

The event, held at Abeokuta, marked the official flag-off of the European Union (EU)-funded project.

The programme aimed to enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen local economies by deploying solar micro-grid systems to public health centres and nearby small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking at the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described the project as “a milestone in our unwavering commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for our people.” He said the initiative aligns perfectly with Ogun State’s ISEYA Development Agenda focusing on Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Wellbeing, Education, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, and Agriculture and will further strengthen the administration’s drive to deliver people-centered governance.

“This project addresses a critical gap by providing clean, renewable, and sustainable solar power to health facilities, across our state. It will ensure uninterrupted service delivery, particularly in rural communities where the need is most critical,” Abiodun said.

“With this intervention, our health centres will not only have light, they will have life.”

The governor emphasized that reliable electricity is essential for effective healthcare delivery, as power disruptions often lead to vaccine spoilage, delayed emergency procedures, and hindered medical operations. 

He noted that the initiative would also promote environmental sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and create jobs for young people through the training of solar technicians and maintenance teams.

He lauded the partnership between the European Union, NTU International, and the Government of Nigeria, describing it as a model for intergovernmental collaboration that prioritizes accountability, local ownership, and sustainability.

He added that under the project, 40 primary healthcare centres across Ogun’s 20 local government areas will be powered by solar energy, with nearby SMEs allowed to connect legally to the network at regulated, affordable rates to promote inclusive economic growth.

In her address, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, commended the EU for its support, noting that the project would significantly improve access to reliable energy for health facilities and reduce operational costs.

“Power is an essential part of healthcare , it is not optional, it is fundamental. 

Many of our secondary facilities still spend over 100 million monthly on energy. This intervention will help redirect those resources towards essential drugs, training, and community outreach.”

Coker stressed that investing in health is both “the right thing to do and the smart thing to do”, citing studies that show every dollar spent on women’s health yields up to $13 in economic returns.  She urged members of the newly inaugurated Steering and Technical Committees to approach their duties with innovation, accountability, and a sense of purpose.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Damilola Otunbanjo, described the project as “another remarkable achievement for Ogun State.”*

The beneficiaries will not only be the health facilities but also nearby SMEs that can now access clean energy for their operations. This ensures that the power illuminating hospitals also supports small businesses,” she said.*

Also speaking, the Project Manager, Green Economy EU, Godfrey Ogbemudia described the launch as “a significant milestone in Ogun State’s journey toward sustainable and adequate healthcare service delivery.”

He noted that the project already rolled out in Plateau, Enugu, Abia, and Akwa Ibom States — will electrify 20 sites in Ogun, one per local government area, between 2024 and 2028.

“This initiative will provide solar micro-grid solutions to public health facilities, improving service delivery and climate resilience in underserved communities,” he stated.

“Our enduring partnership with Nigeria continues to pave the way for a resilient, prosperous, and equitable society where access to healthcare and energy is no longer a privilege, but a fundamental right.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Babajide Onakoya, said the event underscored the link between energy and life, reaffirming the state’s goal of building “an energy-secured healthcare system that ensures no doctor operates in darkness and no mother gives birth without power.”

“Our goal is clear , to ensure that every healthcare facility in Ogun State has reliable, affordable, and clean power,” he added.