Nigerian Juju and Highlife musician, Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, popularly known as Saint Janet, has died after a brief illness, bringing an end to a music career that made her one of the familiar faces in Nigeria’s live entertainment scene.
The entertainer reportedly died on Saturday after a short illness. News of her death became public on Sunday, leaving fans, colleagues and lovers of Juju and Highlife music mourning the loss of a performer widely known for her lively stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.
The death was announced by publisher and socialite, Otunba Femi Davies, in a post on his Facebook page.
Confirming the development, Davies wrote: “St Janet (Iyun Janet Ajilore), a popular Nigerian Juju and Highlife musician known for her vibrant live performances, energetic stage presence and socially unfiltered party tracks, is dead. She died after a brief illness on Saturday.”
His announcement quickly drew reactions from fans and members of the entertainment industry, many of whom paid tribute to the late singer and recalled her impact on Nigeria’s live music culture.
Although details of the illness that led to her death were not immediately made public, news of her passing has been met with sadness across the Juju music community, where she was regarded as one of the experienced performers who kept the genre alive through regular live shows and social events.
Saint Janet built her reputation over the years as an energetic entertainer whose performances went beyond singing. She became known for interacting closely with audiences, using humour, witty remarks and social commentary to create a unique atmosphere at parties, concerts and other celebrations.
Her performances often reflected everyday life, relationships and social issues in a manner that entertained guests while also passing subtle messages. This style helped her stand out among many of her contemporaries and earned her a loyal following, especially among fans of traditional Nigerian music.
Juju music remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated indigenous music genres. It combines traditional Yoruba rhythms with modern musical instruments, creating a lively sound that has entertained generations of Nigerians. The genre gained international recognition through legendary musicians whose works helped project Nigerian culture to the world.
Highlife music, another genre closely associated with Saint Janet’s career, also has a rich history in West Africa. Popular for its blend of African rhythms and Western musical influences, Highlife has remained an important part of Nigeria’s cultural identity for decades.
While newer music styles such as Afrobeats dominate today’s entertainment industry, Juju and Highlife continue to attract dedicated audiences, particularly during cultural events and family celebrations. Musicians like Saint Janet played an important role in ensuring that these traditional genres remained relevant despite changing musical trends.
Throughout her career, Saint Janet was admired for her consistency and commitment to live performances. She was known for creating an exciting atmosphere wherever she performed, earning praise for her strong connection with fans and her ability to keep audiences entertained for hours.
Many admirers described her as a performer who understood the importance of audience participation, often calling out guests by name and tailoring her performances to suit different occasions. This personal style became one of the defining features of her career.
Following the announcement of her death, tributes continued to pour in on social media, with fans remembering her as a vibrant and cheerful entertainer whose music brought joy to many celebrations over the years.
Several supporters described her death as a painful loss to the Juju and Highlife music community, noting that she would be remembered for her dedication to live entertainment and her unique performance style.
As of the time this report was filed, members of her family had not released an official statement on the circumstances surrounding her death. Funeral arrangements had also not been announced.