Nigerian live-band singer Akinloye Tofowomo, celebrated by his stage name Akiin Shuga, has died at the age of 50.
His passing was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by Femi Dare on behalf of the grieving family.
According to the statement, Akiin Shuga died on October 30 in New Brunswick, Canada.
In their tribute, the family honoured him as a revered music icon, grandmaster, and custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.
They emphasised that he was more than a musician, but a guardian of artistic tradition and the very soul of performance.
Across more than three decades of excellence — on stage and in mentorship — he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose, the statement reads.
To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art.
The statement also asked for privacy and quiet reflection during the profoundly difficult time, seeking the space to find closure and honour his life among close family and cherished memories.
The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, tributes, and kind words, assuring that the singer’s legacy would endure through the Shuga Band and Shuga Entertainment.
According to the statement, details regarding memorial services will be shared at a later date.
Akiin Shuga is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and mother.
Born on January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo state, his life was a powerful narrative of music, resilience, and purpose. Stricken by polio at the age of five, he transcended physical limitations to become one of Nigeria’s most acclaimed live-band performers and music entrepreneurs.
In 1998, he founded the Shuga Band, which began its journey performing at Pintos in Ikeja, Lagos. The group rapidly evolved into a formidable 14-piece ensemble of instrumentalists, vocalists, and technicians, renowned for their electrifying performances at corporate events, weddings, and state functions.
Akiin Shuga furthered his expertise by studying music business at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Upon returning to Nigeria, he revolutionized the live-performance circuit by introducing brand collaborations, choreography, and digital sound engineering.
His impact extended beyond performance. He established the Shuga Limb Foundation to support individuals facing limb challenges and founded and served as president of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON). In recognition of his advocacy, he was appointed Rotary International District Polio Ambassador in 2018.
In a heartfelt tribute, Reke Ofano, the band’s leader, remembered him as both a taskmaster and a mentor.
Shuga never accepted mediocrity.But behind his firmness was an enormous heart — he knew everyone’s struggle and dream. We weren’t just a band; we were a family, Ofano said.
On his part, Henry Olubowale Akinyele, a Rotary international district governor, described Shuga as a man who carried his scars like medals.
