Veteran Nigerian Juju musician Janet Iyun Ajilore, popularly known as St. Janet, has died after a brief illness, bringing an end to a distinguished career that earned her a loyal following in Nigeria’s Juju and Highlife music scene.
News of her passing was announced on Sunday by publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies in a post shared on his Facebook page.
According to Davies, the celebrated singer died on Saturday after battling a brief illness.
Announcing her death, Davies described St. Janet as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable Juju and Highlife performers, renowned for her energetic stage performances and distinctive party-themed music.
“St. Janet (Iyun Janet Ajilore), a popular Nigerian Juju and Highlife musician known for her vibrant live performances and socially unfiltered party tracks, is dead. She died after a brief illness on Saturday,” he wrote.
Throughout her career, St. Janet carved a niche for herself with her lively performances, captivating audiences at social gatherings, ceremonies and celebrations across the country.
Known for her bold lyrical style and energetic stagecraft, she became a household name among lovers of Juju music, building a reputation as one of the genre’s most entertaining female performers.
Her unique blend of Juju and Highlife music, coupled with her charismatic stage presence, earned her widespread admiration and a dedicated fan base that spanned generations.
Over the years, St. Janet remained a familiar face at weddings, parties and major social events, where her performances and crowd engagement made her one of the most sought-after entertainers within the Juju music community.
Her contributions to the development and promotion of Juju music helped cement her place among Nigeria’s respected indigenous music icons.
Since news of her death broke, tributes have continued to pour in from fans, fellow musicians, entertainment personalities and admirers, many of whom have taken to social media to celebrate her life, musical legacy and immense contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Although details surrounding her funeral arrangements have yet to be announced by her family, many have described her passing as a significant loss to the Juju music fraternity and the nation’s cultural landscape.
St. Janet leaves behind a rich musical legacy that will continue to resonate with fans and lovers of indigenous Nigerian music for years to come.
