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Sound Sultan 1976-2021: 7 Things To Know About The Late Singer And Activist

Sound Sultan

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.

Sound Sultan

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.

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Entertainment

Odumodublvck drops 23-track Industry Machine album

Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has officially dropped his highly anticipated 23-track album, Industry Machine, featuring powerhouse collaborations with Wizkid, Davido, Skepta, Seun Kuti, and several others. Produced by Telz and P.Priime, the project seamlessly fuses hip-hop and Afrobeats, underscoring Odumodublvck’s versatility and bold sonic direction. Within hours of its release, the album soared to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart, signaling both widespread acclaim and the rapper’s growing dominance in the music industry.

Among the standout tracks, “Big Time” featuring Wizkid debuted at No. 9 on Apple Music’s Top Songs chart, earning praise for its infectious rhythm, Wizkid’s captivating verse, and Odumodublvck’s sharp lyricism. Fans and critics alike have hailed Industry Machine as a defining moment in Nigerian music, celebrating its high production value and collaborative depth. Speaking on the project, Odumodublvck described it as “a celebration of creativity, hustle, and the evolution of the industry,” cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most innovative and influential rap voices.

For a while now, followers of Nigerian music have been keenly aware of the concept of the ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE.’ The swaggering phrase has been an integral part of the digital vocabulary of Nigerian rapper and singer, ODUMODUBLVCK, hinting at the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2023 mixtape, ‘EZIOKWU’, which spawned several hit tracks and established his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest Hip-Hop acts.

In the two years since ‘EZIOKWU,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has only grown more unstoppable, racing to the top of charts in Nigeria on multiple occasions while showcasing the full breadth of his amorphous Okporoko sound on songs like “100 Million” and “NOT ALL THAT” as well as on collabs like “JUJU,” “Funds,” and “Flako.”

Seven months after the surprise drop of ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has finally released ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ bringing a thrilling conclusion to months of anticipation with a blockbuster 23-track release that runs through the full gamut of the Abuja rapper’s fascination and beliefs across a variety of soundscapes.

Throughout ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ ODUMODUBLCK glides between euphoric party starters (“BANZA BOY, “VINICIUS,” and “GROOVING”) and gritty Rap joints (“UNAWARE,” “IF YOU LIKE GYM,” and “LAYI WASABI.”). At different turns, he reveals a new layer to his work without losing touch with the uniquely Abuja perspective that broke him through.

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Celebs

Imisi crowned WINNER of Big Brother Naija Season 10! Bags ₦150 Million

After 10 weeks of 29 housemates supplying viewers with unlimited drama, fun, controversies, emotions, evictions, and one disqualification, Imisi has been declared the winner of the 10th season of the Big Brother Naija reality show. Considered one of the strongest contenders for the Big Brother Naija 10/10 edition, Imisi’s win is a testament to her popularity among viewers who were endeared to her relatable personality.

As the winner of the 10th season of Big Brother Naija, Imisi will be going home with a whopping ₦150 million, among other prizes she won during her 10 weeks in the house. Opeyemi Ayanwale Imisioluwa, the 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo state, made a name for herself on the show as a housemate who thrives on challenges, seeks excitement, and embraces every opportunity to show her depth.

Imisi stole the hearts of millions with her unfiltered charm, radiant energy, and that unmistakable “real girl” appeal that glued fans to their screens.

Dubbed the Queen of Vibes, Imisi defied the odds in a season packed with drama, betrayals, and fierce rivalries. While others plotted and schemed, she stayed true to herself, and it paid off BIG time.

Her loyal army of supporters, proudly known as the Imistars, went all out, flooding the internet with love and votes.

Even when critics mocked her “Sapa” strategy and street-smart antics, Imisi turned the tables with laughter, light, and pure charisma. She proved that simplicity is indeed the ultimate sophistication.

Now ₦150 million richer, the People’s Champ is ready to take her good vibes global, with big plans in comedy, brand endorsements, and content creation.

Imisi becomes the fourth woman to win the popular reality show. Fans will be expecting her to go on to pursue her dreams of being a famous fashion designer and screen star.

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Entertainment

Tiwa Savage opens up on finding a partner – ‘I am scared of falling in love,’

Tiwa Savage

After being scarred by her previous relationships, singer Tiwa Savage has admitted that the idea of falling in love now scares her.

Savage, who appeared on Hot 97FM, stressed that her relationship experiences have her at a point where she would potentially project her insecurities onto the next man who walks into her life.

“I’m scared of love, I’m so scared that I feel like if someone comes along with the right intentions, I’m so scared that I won’t be able to recognise it. I might project onto him, like if he doesn’t call me back in ten minutes, I assume the worst.”

She continued, “I’m praying that the right one doesn’t come and I don’t recognise it. I really am scared 100 percent. I just play around with it, but deep down I want love.”

Back in July 2025, she had joked about wanting a man who looked like British Nigerian rapper Skepta, and now she has added that she also wants someone kind and rich.

In a recent interview on the Joe Budden Podcast, she spoke about a relationship with a famous person who insisted that their romance stay private.

“He told me he didn’t want us to go public,” she said while recounting how her then partner went as far as flirting with women in her presence just to appear single to the public.

Tiwa Savage’s fear of romantic relationships is not unconnected to the messy split with her ex-husband and father of her son, Teebillz.

The singer and Teebillz got married in 2014, but their union only lasted 4 years as the couple parted ways in 2018 over claims of disharmony and infidelity.

Since her marriage ended, Tiwa Savage has been very private about her romantic relationships, while only leaving hints in her music and, more recently, in interviews.

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