Nigerian gospel singer Aduke Gold passes away
By Tosin Brown
One of Nigeria’s rising gospel singers, Aduke Ajayi, popularly known as Aduke Gold, has been reported dead.
The news of her passing was announced on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, by her colleague, Esther Igbeleke, who shared a moving tribute on Instagram.
Igbeleke posted a picture of Aduke Gold with the caption, “A general has fallen. RIP.”
Aduke Gold made a significant impact on the music scene as a rising star, known for her soul-lifting songs and a growing fanbase.
Her breakthrough single, “Nitori Ogo” (translated as “Because of Glory”), which was featured on her popular eight-track album, received widespread acclaim on social media.
Aduke Gold once shared her inspiring journey on Instagram, recounting her early struggles.
From selling slippers, yam, and fried fish in her early days to enduring hardships that shaped her music career, she revealed the challenges she faced.
She mentioned working in a frozen foods store, where she packed fish heads, and learning to cook with firewood when kerosene was scarce.
Aduke also opened up about her personal struggles, including being orphaned at the age of four and battling severe vertigo.
Her academic achievements were as impressive as her musical career. She earned a degree in History and International Relations from Lagos State University through a scholarship from Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, then Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Lagos State.
Aduke also held a higher degree in Child Psychology, a Diploma in Montessori Education from the UK, and numerous other qualifications in Special Education, Aquaculture, Cake Making, Cookery and Decoration, Music Rudiment, Business, and Piano.
Her passion extended beyond music, particularly in her work with children with special needs, including those with autism, cerebral palsy, and dyslexia.
