Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian music industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Juju and Highlife musician Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, popularly known as St. Janet. The singer, who was also fondly called "Mama Yabis," reportedly passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, after a brief illness, bringing an end to a career marked by vibrant live performances and socially unfiltered party tracks.
The news of her death was confirmed on Sunday, August 2, 2026, by publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies in a post on his Facebook page. 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." The announcement was also made by gospel juju musician Akinola "Alayo Melody Singer" Michael, who shared the news on his Instagram page.
St. Janet was renowned for her distinctive ability to entertain audiences through satire, humour, and frank social commentary, a style that earned her the nickname "Mama Yabis." Her performances regularly touched on societal issues, gossip, and everyday experiences, making her a familiar figure at parties, weddings, and other social gatherings across Nigeria, particularly in the South-West. Her fusion of Juju and Highlife rhythms with witty social commentary set her apart from many of her contemporaries and helped her build a loyal following.
However, St. Janet was also a polarising figure. She gained national attention with her 2013 controversial album "Faaji Plus," whose sexually explicit and provocative lyrics attracted repeated sanctions from industry bodies, including the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Music Advertising Association of Nigeria (MAAN). The Lagos State House of Assembly also prohibited the album from being aired on broadcast stations and played in public places after lawmakers ruled that its content encouraged obscenity. Despite the controversy, she remained one of the most recognisable voices in Juju music, known for her bold personality and unconventional approach.
Throughout her career, St. Janet carved out a space for herself in a genre historically dominated by male musicians. Her contributions to the Juju and Highlife genres helped cement her place as one of the notable entertainers in Nigeria's vibrant live music culture. She was known for her lively stage presence and songs that were popular at social gatherings and celebrations, earning her a devoted fan base.
As of the time of this report, the family had yet to announce funeral arrangements or release an official statement regarding the cause of death. However, tributes have continued to pour in from fans, colleagues, and admirers who have described her as a talented entertainer whose music brought joy to countless people and occasions. Her death adds to the list of Nigerian musicians who have left lasting impressions through their artistic contributions, and she will be remembered for her distinctive voice, energetic performances, and the role she played in keeping Juju and Highlife music alive for a new generation of listeners.
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