The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned Juju and Highlife musician, Mrs. Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, popularly known as Saint Janet and fondly called “Mama Yabis.”
Saint Janet died after a brief illness, bringing to a close a remarkable career that earned her widespread admiration and a loyal fan base across Nigeria.
Her demise was announced on Sunday by publisher and socialite, Otunba Femi Davies, who said the singer passed away on Saturday.
“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,” Davies wrote on Facebook
Celebrated for her electrifying stage performances, Saint Janet carved a niche for herself with her vibrant delivery, infectious energy, and fearless style of engaging audiences through satire, humour, and unfiltered social commentary. Her candid remarks on societal issues, trending gossip, and everyday life endeared her to fans and earned her the nickname “Mama Yabis.”
Blending Juju and Highlife music with witty observations and spontaneous interactions, she became a sought-after performer at parties, celebrations, and other social gatherings, where her unique brand of entertainment left lasting memories.
News of her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and members of the entertainment industry, with tributes expected from colleagues, admirers, and lovers of indigenous Nigerian music.
Her family is yet to announce details of her funeral arrangements.
