It has been three years since the Nigerian music industry lost one of its most influential voices, Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan.
On July 11, 2021, the multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter, and advocate for social justice passed away, leaving an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment landscape.
Today, the music legend continues to be remembered by his peers, fans, and loved ones, not just for his contributions to the industry, but for the values and principles he upheld throughout his career.
Recently, Nigerian singer Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, also known as Jaywon, visited Sound Sultan’s resting place, paying his respects to the man he fondly referred to as his elder.
Jaywon shared a heartfelt message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on the wisdom and inspiration Sound Sultan had imparted during his lifetime.
“At the resting place of my elderly, where wisdom, guidance, and inspiration now lay in eternal peace. Gone, but forever a part of me.
Keep resting #soundsultan @soundsultan love forever. Jay wana wana in your voice,” he wrote, expressing the deep connection he felt with the late artist.
Sound Sultan was more than just a musician; he was a voice for the people. Born on November 27, 1976, in Jos, Plateau State, he rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his debut hit “Jagbajantis,” a song that instantly set him apart as a socially conscious artist.
Throughout his career, Sultan used his music to address societal issues, speaking against poverty, corruption, and bad governance in Nigeria.
His ability to blend entertainment with activism made him one of the most respected and admired figures in the Nigerian music scene.
Sound Sultan’s journey in music began in the 1990s when he hosted shows to raise money for studio sessions.
By 1999, he had won several local talent competitions and, in 2000, released “Jagbajantis,” a track that became a cultural anthem.
His music resonated with people from all walks of life, and he quickly gained recognition as one of the pioneers of hip hop and Afrobeats in Nigeria.
In 2004, after a string of successful singles, Sultan was signed by Kennis Music, one of Nigeria’s foremost record labels, where he continued to release hit songs that cemented his place in the industry.
Despite his success, Sound Sultan never lost sight of his mission to use music as a tool for change. His lyrics often tackled difficult issues, and he was unafraid to speak truth to power.
This earned him the love and respect of his fans and colleagues alike, who saw him as a true artist with a purpose beyond fame and fortune.
Sound Sultan’s impact extended beyond music. In 2009, he married his longtime partner, Chichi Morah, who later converted to Islam and took the name Farida Fasasi.
The couple had three children together, and Sultan was known for his dedication to his family and his role as a loving father and husband.
Tragically, in May 2021, it was reported that Sound Sultan had been diagnosed with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer.
He was receiving treatment in the United States, but on July 11, 2021, the music icon passed away at the age of 44.
His death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians, and political leaders. Sound Sultan was laid to rest in New Jersey according to Islamic rites.
Though gone, Sound Sultan’s legacy continues to live on. In May 2020, he released his eighth studio album, 8th World Wonder, and at the time of his death, he was working on what would be his final album, Reality CHQ.
To honour his memory, his family, led by his brother Baba Dee, hosted listening parties for the album in three cities including, New York, London, and Lagos, where fans and loved ones gathered to celebrate his life and music.
Each year, tributes pour in from around the world as celebrities and fans commemorate Sultan’s life.
Figures like 2face Idibia, Kate Henshaw, and Baba Dee, among others, have consistently honoured the music legend, ensuring his name and legacy remain alive.
They have also extended their support to Sultan’s widow, Farida, and their children, continuing the circle of care that defined his relationships in life.
As the years go by, the loss of Sound Sultan remains deeply felt, but his influence and contribution to the Nigerian music industry continue to inspire a new generation of artists and activists.
His songs, filled with messages of hope, unity, and resistance, are as relevant today as they were when they were first released.
For many, Sound Sultan will always be remembered as the artist who used his gift to speak for the voiceless, a man who believed in the power of music to change the world.
Even in death, Sound Sultan’s voice remains as powerful as ever, echoing through the halls of Nigerian music and beyond.
