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By Funsho Arogundade
Unarguably, Akinloye Tofowomo was a premium live music grandmaster. For the multiple award-winning music maestro fondly called Akiin Shuga, he was a trailblazer and tastemaker of the culture who pioneered modern live band music service in Nigeria and —till he breathed his last— made good success of his nearly three decades career.
Akiin, the founder of Nigeria’s most prestigious live band —Shuga Band— died on Thursday October 30 while undergoing a medical procedure in New Brunswick, Canada. The revered music icon passed away right on the surgical table as his heart failed while the operation was on.
His death was cancer-related —a condition he had privately battled for some time. Akiin kept the diagnosis private from all but a handful of people. He betrayed no emotions as he continued to work and honour several gigs while undergoing treatment.
Towards his last days, Akiin was upbeat and so optimistic the procedure would be successful thus stayed busy and fully committed to his craft: he even performed at a high-octane event in Lagos penultimate weekend before he travelled to Canada for the scheduled procedure.
Since Monday November 3 when his death was officially announced, thousands touched by his love and legacy have been shattered. They mourned over a good man whose life and wide-ranging music he composed or recreated —over the course of his legendary career— were filled with emotion, sensuality and redemption.
Akiin’s life was a story of courage and determination. Stricken by polio at the age of five, he overcame disability to become one of Nigeria’s most respected live-band performers and entertainment entrepreneurs. As a well-trained band leader – Akiin studied Music Business at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA – he ushered in a great stylistic shift in various genres of music and for a long moment, he was the shining king of live melody. He turned the world on its ear with gospelized harmonies, break-beat percussion, and absolutistic lyrics.
Akiin was born a Capricon —January 6, 1975— in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State. He cut his chops as a professional singer in 1998 when he founded the famous Shuga Band, starting from Pintos Bar in Ikeja, Lagos. What began as a small group later grew into a 14-piece band that became the toast of high-profile weddings, corporate galas, and state functions across the country.
The 50 year-old music maestro was more than a musician: he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance. He delivered transcendent musical experience from the very beginning of his career. He performed for presidents, governors, business leaders, and socialites. Yet, despite fame and success, Akiin remained humble, ending every show with a short prayer and a smile. But beyond music, he was a passionate advocate for people living with disabilities. As a polio survivor, Akiin established the Shuga Limb Foundation to support persons with limb challenges. In 2018, he was appointed Rotary International Polio Ambassador, a role that reflected his personal story and advocacy work. Akiin used his music to inspire hope. His song ‘I Can Walk’ became an anthem of courage for polio survivors.
He is survived by his loving wife, children, siblings, and mother.
