Popular Nigerian musician, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, on Sunday passed away at the age of 44.
The news of the demise of the singer was announced by his brother, Dr. Kayode Fasasi, triggering an immediate outpouring of tributes from Nigerians.
According to Kayode, Sound Sultan died after battling with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma.
The statement reads, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our multitalented veteran singer, rapper, songwriter Olanrewaju Fasasi aka Sound Sultan.
“He passed away at the age of 44 following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma. He is survived by his wife, three children and his siblings. We, his family will appreciate the utmost privacy as we come to grips with this tragic loss.”
In May, reports emerged that Sound Sultan was diagnosed with throat cancer and was in the United States (U.S) for medical attention.
Many of his colleagues in the entertainment industry as well as fans took to their social media accounts to wish him speedy recovery.
In an appreciation post, the late singer posted on his official Instagram page, saying, “I must not ignore the massive show of love. Thank you all. I will tell you my story myself it will be true THEN not false.”
However, checks by The New Diplomat revealed that Sound Sultan might have predicted his death before he eventually gave up the ghost today.
The last post made by the late singer on July 3, was a short video clip of Patoranking’s Celebrate me.
Although the intention of the singer is not known, however the lyrics of the song suggested that Sound Sultan might be calling for his fans and well wishers to celebrate him while he was still alive as he was battling with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma at that moment.
The lyrics of the song reads, “Celebrate me, now when I dey alive (now when I dey alive)
Appreciate me, now when I dey alive (now when I dey alive)
No be say when I leave this life
You go dey fake am for my wife
Celebrate me, now when I dey alive (now when I dey alive)
Appreciate me, now when I dey alive (now when I dey alive)
No be say when I leave this life
“You go dey fake am for my back.”
Meanwhile, many Nigerians celebrities have taken to their respective social media accounts to mourn the demise of the renowned and versatile singer.
Nigerian Comedian and Actor, Debo Adebayo popularly known as Mr macaroni took to his official Twitter account to mourn the demise of Sound Sultan.
“OMG!!! Rest In Peace Sound Sultan 😭💔 Absolute Legend!!! May God grant his family, his friends and fans worldwide the fortitude to bear this tragic loss,” he posted.
Nigerian Actress, Kate Henshaw has also mourned the demise of the singer.
In her words, “I have never called on you that you have said No to my request and vice versa. You show up every blessed time and on time too!! I know Allah will receive you because you gave of yourself every single time, no questions asked.
“MY ANCESTOR, we joked about how you never aged a day all these years… Rest on my dear friend and brother.”
Daddy Showkey, a veteran Nigerian galala singer has also reacted to the demise of Sound Sultan.
He posted, “You spoke to me some days ago you never told me it will end this way. Oh my God, why, I say it and I will say it again there’s nothing in this life aah.”
Frank Edoho in his reaction said that, “The nicest, most humble and talented person you could ever know. Sound Sultan! Rest in peace.
😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😥😥😥”
Do2dtun Energy Gad, a popular On-Air personality (OAP) has also mourned the demise of the singer.
“If Sound Sultan can die, anyone can die. This is very scary. Successful, Athletic, filled with wisdom, very grounded, no life threatening vices; very religious, full of life, positive, great dad and husband. AH! Iku o da o. You were coming back strong after we spoke few days ago,” he posted.
Sound Sultan came into the spotlight in the early 2000’s when he released his first single ‘Jagbajantis’, which became an instant hit in Nigeria.
After independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artists, he was signed by Kennis Music where he released four of his total seven albums.
He also produced and acted in the successful comedy movie ‘Head Gone’ in 2014 and in 2018, produced the stage musical ‘Jungle Story’.
