Popular Nigerian juju and highlife musician Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, widely known as Saint Janet, has died after a brief illness, bringing to an end a career that attracted both loyal fans and repeated controversy.
The singer reportedly passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026. Her death was announced by publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies, who shared the news on his social media platforms.
“St Janet (Iyun Janet Ajilore), a popular Nigerian Juju and highlife musician known for her vibrant live performances, energetic stage presence, and socially unfiltered party tracks, is dead. She died after a brief illness,” Davies wrote.
Fondly called “Mama Yabis” by her fans, Saint Janet rose to prominence with her hit track Faaji Plus, a song that generated widespread attention for its sexually explicit lyrics and unconventional style.
Her music frequently placed her at the centre of public debate, leading to repeated sanctions from regulatory bodies, including the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Lagos State House of Assembly over the content of some of her performances and recordings.
Despite the controversies and restrictions, Saint Janet remained active in the entertainment industry, continuing to perform at private ceremonies and social events where she built a dedicated following.
She became known for her energetic stage performances, bold party anthems and signature style of blending gospel-inspired introductions with provocative lyrics, earning her a distinctive place in Nigeria’s juju music scene.
Beyond her music, the late entertainer embraced the humorous title of “General Overseer (G.O.) of Saint Bottles Cathedral,” a nickname that reflected her larger-than-life personality and endeared her to many supporters.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, colleagues and admirers, many remembering Saint Janet as a fearless performer whose music and stage presence left a lasting impression on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
