The Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning the death of veteran Juju and Highlife musician, Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, popularly known as St. Janet, who died after a brief illness.
News of her passing emerged on Sunday after publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies announced the development in a post on his Facebook page. According to Davies, the veteran entertainer died on Saturday following a brief illness.
St. Janet was widely known for her energetic stage performances, lively party music and distinctive blend of Juju and Highlife. Her bold style, humour and socially charged lyrics earned her a loyal following and made her a familiar figure at social events and celebrations across Nigeria.
Fondly called “Mama Yabis” by many of her fans, the singer carved a niche for herself with performances that combined satire, wit and social commentary. While admired for her vibrant stage presence, she also generated controversy over some of her lyrics, which attracted criticism from sections of the public and regulatory bodies during her career.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, colleagues and admirers, who have described her as an entertainer whose music brought excitement and colour to Nigeria’s Juju music scene. Many took to social media to celebrate her contributions to the industry and her enduring influence on live performance culture.
As of the time of filing this report, St. Janet’s family had not issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding her death or announced funeral arrangements.
