Renowned Nigerian musician and live-band leader, Akinloye Tofowomo, widely known as Akiin Shuga, has passed away at the age of 50.
The celebrated performer, who founded the popular Shuga Band, died on October 30, 2025, in New Brunswick, Canada.
In a statement released on Monday, his family described the late artiste as a revered icon whose influence reshaped live music in Nigeria and beyond.
“Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he embodied rhythm, culture, and the true spirit of performance,” the statement read. It noted that through more than three decades of excellence on stage and in mentorship, he distinguished himself with “grace, mastery, and purpose,” becoming both an inspiration and an institution to fans across the world.
The family appealed for privacy as they mourn his passing, seeking space “to find closure and to honour his life in the intimacy of loved ones and cherished memories.”
