The Nigerian gospel singer Aduke Ajayi, better known by her stage name Aduke Gold, has passed away. The news was announced by fellow gospel singer Esther Igbekele through an Instagram post on Tuesday.
Sharing a picture of the late Aduke Gold, Igbekele captioned the post, “RIP Aduke Gold, a general has fallen.” The singer was reported to have died on Monday at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state, though the cause of her death remains unknown at this time.
Aduke Gold, who ventured into the music industry in the mid-2000s, had recently gained significant popularity and acclaim for her outstanding live performances. Her 2021 release, “Nitori Ogo” (which translates to “Because of Glory”), from the same-titled album, had earned her massive streams and a growing fanbase, especially on social media.
Beyond her musical talents, Aduke Gold held a degree in History and International Studies from Lagos State University (LASU) and had also earned a degree in Child Psychology and a diploma in Montessori Education from the United Kingdom. She had dedicated her time to working with children with special needs, such as autism, dyslexia, and cerebral palsy.
Aduke Gold’s passing comes as a profound loss to the Nigerian gospel music scene, with both fans and fellow celebrities expressing their grief and condolences on Igbekele’s post. The singer’s family is yet to issue an official statement regarding her untimely demise, leaving many in the industry and her followers deeply saddened by the news.
This tragedy follows the recent passing of another gospel singer, Morenikeji Egbin Orun, a few months ago, further underscoring the profound impact these losses have on the Nigerian gospel music community.
