Nigerian Music Icon, Akiin Shuga, Dies at 50 in Canada

Renowned Nigerian musician and live-band leader, Akinloye Tofowomo, popularly known as Akiin Shuga, has passed away.

The celebrated performer and founder of the Shuga Band died on October 30, 2025, in New Brunswick, Canada, at the age of 50.

In a statement released on Monday, his family described him as a “revered music icon, grandmaster, and custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.”

“Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit 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.
To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution a true king in his art.

As the family comes to terms with this immeasurable loss, we humbly request privacy and quiet reflection at this deeply difficult time. We wish for the space to find closure and to honour his life in the intimacy of loved ones and cherished memories.

Further details, including dates and arrangements for memorial observances, will be communicated in due course.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to all who have reached out with prayers, tributes, and kind words. Akinloye Tofowomo’s legacy through the Shuga Band and Shuga Entertainment  will continue to live on.”

Born on January 6, 1975, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Akiin Shuga’s life was defined by resilience, passion, and purpose.

Stricken by polio at the age of five, he defied physical challenges to become one of Nigeria’s most accomplished live-band performers and music entrepreneurs. His journey mirrored Nigeria’s revival of live music as an essential part of its cultural identity.

In 1998, he founded the Shuga Band, which began performing at Pintos, a popular venue in Ikeja, Lagos. Over the years, the band evolved into a 14-member ensemble renowned for its electrifying performances at weddings, corporate events, and state functions.

Through Shuga Entertainment, his company became a benchmark for professionalism and excellence in live performance, blending artistry with discipline and innovation.

Akiin Shuga also served as the founder and president of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON), where he championed higher standards in the live-music industry and advocated fair treatment for musicians across the country.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his rhythm, legacy, and impact on Nigerian music will continue to resonate for generations to come.