Nigerian singer Jaywon Juwonlo made a heartfelt pilgrimage to the final resting place of iconic musician Sound Sultan on October 10, 2024. The visit, which Jaywon shared on his social media platforms, has reignited discussions about Sound Sultan’s enduring legacy in the Nigerian music industry more than three years after his untimely passing.
On a crisp autumn morning, Jaywon was spotted entering the tranquil Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York, where Sound Sultan was laid to rest. The singer, dressed in somber black attire, carried a bouquet of white lilies as he made his way to the graveside.
“There was a palpable sense of reverence as Jaywon approached the grave,” remarked cemetery groundskeeper Michael Thompson. “You could see the emotion on his face, even from a distance.”
Upon reaching Sound Sultan’s final resting place, Jaywon knelt and placed the flowers gently on the grave. He then took a moment of silence before sharing his thoughts on social media:
At the resting place of a mentor, where wisdom, guidance, and inspiration now lay in eternal peace. Gone, but forever a part of us. Keep resting, soundsultan @soundsultan, forever. Jay wana wana in your voice.”
The post, accompanied by photos of Jaywon at the graveside, quickly went viral, accumulating over 100,000 likes and 50,000 shares within hours.
Jaywon’s gesture resonated deeply within the Nigerian entertainment community. Numerous celebrities took to the comment section to express their appreciation and share their own memories of Sound Sultan.
Actress Angela Okorie wrote, “Keep resting King,” while comedian Princess added, “Lanre keep resting.” These sentiments were echoed by comedian Baba Tee, who thanked Jaywon “for being real.
Music industry analyst Oluwaseun Adebayo noted the significance of Jaywon’s visit: “In an industry often criticized for its short memory, gestures like this remind us of the deep bonds formed between artists. Sound Sultan’s influence clearly continues to resonate.”
At the resting place of my elderly , where wisdom, guidance, and inspiration now lay in eternal peace. Gone, but forever a part of me.
Keep resting #soundsultan @soundsultan ❤️ forever.
Jay wana wana in your voice 🙏❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/7WhHn00TvD— Jaywon (@JAYWONJUWONLO) October 9, 2024
Sound Sultan, born Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi, passed away on July 11, 2021, after a battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma, a rare form of throat cancer. His death at the age of 44 sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music scene and beyond.
Dr. Olufemi Adeyemi, an oncologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, explained the severity of Sound Sultan’s condition: “Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the immune system. Despite advances in treatment, it remains a challenging diagnosis.”
Before his passing, Sound Sultan underwent chemotherapy in the United States, fighting the disease with the same determination that characterized his music career.
Another artist who has consistently honored Sound Sultan’s memory is legendary singer 2baba. In January 2024, 2baba penned an emotional note to his late friend, reflecting on the evolution of Nigerian and African music.
“Our dream for Nigerian and African music has come true, brother,” 2baba wrote. Now I’m like an upcoming artist again, but I won’t give up easily to these new cats. There’s so much I wish I could tell you.”
2baba’s connection to Sound Sultan extends beyond words. In 2022, while visiting the United States, 2baba made a pilgrimage to Sound Sultan’s grave, accompanied by media personality Emma Ugolee and artist Frankie J.
“It was a somber moment,” recalled Emma Ugolee. “2baba stood there for what seemed like an eternity, just communing silently with his friend. You could feel the weight of their shared history.”
Sound Sultan’s influence on Nigerian music cannot be overstated. Emerging artist Oluwadamilola “Dami” Akinwande, who cites Sound Sultan as a major influence, shared her thoughts:
“Sound Sultan wasn’t just a musician; he was a storyteller, a social commentator. His ability to blend humor with hard-hitting truths in his lyrics is something I strive for in my own work.”
This sentiment is echoed by music historian Dr. Olajumoke Olagundoye of the University of Lagos: “Sound Sultan’s discography is a chronicle of Nigerian society. From ‘Motherland’ to ‘Bushmeat,’ his songs captured the essence of Nigerian life in a way few others have managed.”
As the Nigerian music industry continues to evolve and gain international recognition, the importance of remembering pioneers like Sound Sultan becomes ever more crucial.
Music producer Olawale “Wale” Ogunyemi believes that honoring past legends is key to the industry’s future success: “When artists like Jaywon take the time to pay respect, it shows the younger generation the importance of our musical heritage. It’s about building on the foundations laid by giants like Sound Sultan.”
As the sun set on Jaywon’s visit to Sound Sultan’s grave, fans around the world joined in the remembrance, sharing their favorite Sound Sultan songs and memories on social media. The hashtag #SoundSultanForever trended nationwide, a testament to the enduring impact of the artist’s life and work.
In a music industry often focused on the next big hit, Jaywon’s pilgrimage serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring those who paved the way. As Nigeria’s music scene continues to flourish on the global stage, the legacy of artists like Sound Sultan remains an integral part of its rich tapestry.
