Yesterday, Sunday, July 11, 2021, the Nigerian entertainment industry lost an icon as singer, songwriter, actor, and activist, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, breathe his last. This has thrown the country, especially fans and colleagues of the late singer into a sorrowful state.
Also a recording artist, the Jagbajantis singer died at the age of 44 in the United States and will be remembered for pioneering the birth of the Nigerian music industry as it is today and for also playing his part in the development of modern hip hop music in the country.
As an activist, he called out societal ills through his music. He wrote songs on issues like bad governance, corruption, poverty, inequality, etc.
It has been known that the singer has battled Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma also known as throat cancer (a rare kind of cancer) for a while and had traveled to the United States in May 2021 for chemotherapy treatment where he eventually died. He was buried the same day at the Masjid Al Aman Cemetery, in New Jersey according to Islamic rites.
A statement from the family signed by one Dr. Kayode Fasasi read:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of multitalented veteran singer, rapper, songwriter Olanrewaju Fasasi aka Sound sultan. He passed away at the age of 44 following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from all and sundry in celebration of his life and legacy which saw him contribute immensely to the growth of the Nigerian music industry.
Here are 5 things you should know about the late Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi popularly known as Sound Sultan.
1. Brief Biography
Born in Jos, Plateau State on the 27th of November 1976 as Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi, the late songwriter, Sound Sultan was the fourth of six children born to his parents – Liadi Alarape Fasasi and Adeyinka Ajarat Fasasi. He attended Stepping Stone Nursery and Primary School in Lagos for his primary education before proceeding to the Federal Government College, Ogbomoso in Oyo state to complete his basic education. The Remember hitmaker would later graduate from the Lagos State University in 1999 with a degree in Geography and Regional Planning.
2. Music Career
Born in Jos, which was the go-to town for raw musical talents in the 1990s, Sound Sultan picked up interest in music also buoyed by the fact that his elder brother, Dare Fasasi, popularly known as Baba Dee, was already into music. He started penning down his own lyrics which he would sing at school events while in primary school. He learned to play the guitar with the help of his brother and continued developing his musical talents while participating in local musical talent hunt shows (most of which he won).
Sound Sultan was signed up by Kennis Music in 1997 and worked with the label until 2008 when he and his brother, Baba Dee floated their own record label dubbed ‘Naija Ninja Entertainment Production Company’. Under Kennis Music, Sound Sultan released four albums including Kpseeeeeeew (2001), Textbook (2004), and Naija 007 (2007). He signed several artists under his record label including Young GreyC, Blacka, Karma Da Rapper, and Shawn. He also released the album Back From The Future with his label in 2010.
3. Work With International Artists
Beyond the Nigerian shores, Sound Sultan was one of the Nigerian artists who have worked with globally acclaimed artists like Sarkodie, JoeEl, Honorebel, and Wyclef Jean, among others. Perhaps, it is his work with Haitian/American rapper, Wyclef Jean, that stands out. Together, they released a body of work including King of My Country,People Bad, Proud to be African. The latter also featured other top Nigerian music greats such as Faze and Tuface Idibia.
4. Acting Career
Sound Sultan was a multi-talented entertainer. He was not only a musician, he was also an actor who had a couple of movie credits to his name. In 2014, he, alongside others stars such as 2baba, Basketmouth, Akpororo among others starred in the movie titled Head Gone. The comedy movie which was produced by the late singer and directed by his brother, Baba Dee, was universally acclaimed. Others movies the late star appeared in include Campus Queen (2004) and The Washerman (2018).
5. Business Endeavor
Asides from music and entertainment, Sound Sultan had an eye for business. He was the owner of the Nigerian basketball team, Lagos City Stars who play in the Continental Basketball League. They were crowned the champions of the 2017 basketball league season. He was also a facilitator of the league entertainment.
6. Awards And Recognitions
Sound Sultan was nominated for, and equally received several awards in his line of work including the 2012 Headies Award for Album of the Year with Back From The Future. The same year, he was made a United Nations (UN) Ambassador for Peace for his exemplary lifestyle and career. In 2018, he received the City People Music Special Recognition Award.
7. Marriage and Children
Before his death, Sound Sultan was married to the beautiful Chichi Morah, his long-term girlfriend in 2009. Although she now goes by the name Farida Fasasi after she converted to Islam. The union was blessed with three children.
Wizkid Cancels multiple North America dates on ‘Morayo’ Tour, Sparking Online Debate
Nigerian superstar Wizkid has cancelled several dates on the North American leg of his much-anticipated ‘Morayo’ world tour, sparking concern among fans and insiders alike. The cancelled shows include major venues such as:
June 5 – State Farm Arena, Atlanta
June 7 – Madison Square Garden, New York
June 11 – Scotiabank Arena, Ontario, Canada
June 15 – CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore
While his team has yet to release an official statement explaining the latest development, fans anxiously await clarity and possible new dates.
Despite the setback, sources suggest that the European leg of the Morayo Tour will continue as planned, with no current indications of change.
However, reactions online hint at deeper personal struggles. A close associate, Godson, stirred concern on social media when he responded to a fan’s inquiry about the cancellations by asking for prayers for Wizkid.
“Add him to your prayer. I think he’s still grieving, and nobody is helping him achieve this. Sad,” Godson posted.
Fans have since flooded social media with messages of support, urging the Star Boy to take all the time he needs to heal.
News of Wizkid’s North American tour cancellations has sparked a social media frenzy, with fans and critics flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with mixed reactions, ranging from deep concern to outright mockery
Some fans expressed disappointment over the show cancellations, while others pointed fingers at poor planning, low ticket sales, and questionable timing.
Here are some of the most viral reactions:
@abazwhyllzz: “So none of his fans could buy ticket despite the ticket price reduction??? Brooo, this guy is finished.”
@mafia3O: “Cancelled in the midnight thinking people would not notice.”
@bigHotbaby1: “Wizkid scheduled his tour the same day there’s a big game in New York? Who’s advising this guy?”
@Zillionhood: “WizKid should retire this year with little dignity, by 2026 he will be retiring with mucha shame on him.”
@twnty__one: “Shey dem him fans no see money buy ticket ni or why the cancellation? Lol popsy una.”
Fanbase Rivalries Heat Up The news also reignited the age-old Stan wars between fanbases, with some accusing media platforms of showing bias in their coverage.
@sakpo0007_: “Nah you guys are unreal. No single post on your page about Davido’s ‘5ive’ Spotify streams deduction but yeah it’s Wizkid news, y’all are active now… Fvckers.”
@bisolaa_0: “You updated this faster than Davido deducted streams on Spotify. Smh.”
@1stsonofdavido: “You see Wizkid downfall? I’m always there like Toyota Hilux. If it was Davido, everywhere for don scatter. Like I said, any Wizkid slander, I’m always there.”
Burna Boy gears up for the release of his 8th album with ‘Sweet Love’
Grammy award-winning global icon Burna Boy ushers in his highly anticipated eighth studio album ‘No Sign of Weakness’ with today’s release of the seductive new single ‘Sweet Love.’
The song is set to be followed by a music video, which will complement its breezy feel.
The song produced by Major Seven is a romantic, reggae-leaning track that showcases Burna Boy’s unmistakable vocal charisma and signature blend of global influences with melodic pop sensibility.
‘Sweet Love’ continues Burna Boy’s standout year, building on the momentum of No Sign of Weakness’s first single, ‘Update’.
Produced by P2J (Beyoncé, Tems) and built around a sample of Soul II Soul’s iconic 8 the track blends Afrobeats with anthemic, club-ready energy.
The official video, which weaves together powerful visual vignettes inspired by the album’s central themes, has already surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.
Burna Boy has previously released the bubbling ‘Bundle By Bundle,’ which has amassed over 24M Spotify streams and 8.5M video views.
Most recently, Burna Boy joined French-Haitian singer Joé Dwèt Filé for the remix of the viral hit ‘4 Kampé,’ fusing Afrobeats and Haitian Kompa into a cross-cultural anthem that continues to chart across platforms globally.
Last month, Burna Boy became the first-ever cover star of Billboard France, coinciding with his historic, sold-out show at the Stade de France, making him the first African artist to headline the iconic venue.
The multi-award-winning global star followed up on his Stade De France concert with another historic concert in Manchester, where he sold out the Co-op Arena, which is the biggest indoor Arena in England.
Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has made some startling revelations about his love life.
While the rapper disclosed that he’s never been heartbroken, he also admitted that he has never really given his heart out to anyone.
Falz made these revelations while speaking during his appearance on the inaugural live edition of ‘WithChude’ podcast.
During their session, host Chude Jideonwo asked the ‘Soft Work’ singer, “Did someone break your heart so badly?”.
In response, Falz said, “I have never been heartbroken,” before explaining that “If you don’t put your legs inside water, can you drown? I haven’t presented my heart that much to be broken. I have been giving small of it ooo.”
He added that, “But in a romantic way, I have never told somebody ‘I love you’. It is not a sad thing, I’m not devoid of emotion, don’t get it twisted. I have said, oh I really really like you. I just haven’t said ‘I’m in love with you.”
Speaking further during the interview, Falz reflected on the emotional toll and deep purpose behind his activism.
He said, “People warn me all the time. Friends say: ‘You better stay out of these things oh.’
“But I’m the kind of artist who draws inspiration from my environment.
“I can’t help it. I feel these things so deeply that it becomes impossible not to talk about them.”
Falz also recounted his experience with the #EndSARS protest and how it impacted his life personally.
That period was one of the craziest and toughest times of my life,” Falz said, adding: “But I don’t regret it at all.
“I was taught never to regret doing what I believe is right.
“And the protest, the struggle, the connection we all felt — it was monumental. I’m grateful I participated.”
He noted that while many try to dissuade him, some say: “The same people you’re fighting for will fight you.”
Falz clarified that his involvement in activism has never been about applause or validation.
He said: “I’m not doing it for anybody specifically. It’s about what I feel strongly about. It’s about compassion. It’s about humanity.”
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