The Nigerian entertainment scene woke up to heartbreaking news on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as renowned Juju and Highlife singer Iyun Janet Ajilore — popularly known as St Janet — was confirmed dead. The musician, fondly called Mama Yabis by her loyal fanbase, passed away on Saturday, August 1, after a brief illness that was complicated by diabetes.
Otunba Femi Davies, a publisher and well-known socialite, broke the news via his Instagram page in the early hours of Sunday. In a post that quickly went viral, Davies confirmed the passing of the singer, describing her as a force of nature whose performances were anything but ordinary.
A Life of Unfiltered Music and Electrifying Stagecraft
St Janet built a massive following through her unapologetically candid party tracks and her commanding presence on stage. Her song "Faaji Plus," which was notorious for its explicit content, earned her multiple bans from industry regulators, including the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Lagos State House of Assembly. Ironically, those bans only strengthened her connection with fans, who admired her courage and her ability to mix satire, humour, and sharp social commentary into her music.
Over the years, she became a staple at private events across Nigeria, where her live performances were known for being both wildly entertaining and intimately personal. Her knack for connecting with audiences — often through risky lyrics and bold crowd interactions — kept her relevant across generations of music lovers.
Announcement and Immediate Reaction
In his Instagram post, Otunba Femi Davies wrote: "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 on Saturday." The post drew an outpouring of grief within hours, with fans and colleagues expressing shock and sadness.
Many noted that the singer had been active on social media only days before her death, with one fan recalling that she had posted about an upcoming show in Abesan. Others pointed out that she had been in London a few months ago, suggesting that her passing came without warning.
Tributes Flood Social Media
Under the announcement post, tributes continued to pour in throughout Sunday. @mummy_erioluwa wrote: "Oh my God she still posted some days ago on her watsapp about a show in abesan …..So sad ….she was in London some months ago too …Omo Inalahi Rajiun." Another user, @motilola, simply mourned: "Rest in Peace Mama Yabis."
@blessinginvogue added: "I thought she was about to make a massive comeback! Nostalgia pages and archive pages on social media have been posting her songs recently. Wow. Life!" This sentiment was echoed by @__blurredlinez, who wrote: "Big loss ?? for my home town Rest In Peace sister janet ajilore," and @royalhotieness, who recalled a memorable event, noting "St bottles cathedral ikeja that year Rest in peace."
A Lasting Legacy
St Janet's influence on Nigerian Juju and Highlife music cannot be overstated. In an era when many artists play it safe, she stood out as a rebel who used music to challenge norms and entertain without limits. Her cultural impact extended well beyond music; she became a symbol of resilience, audacity, and authenticity.
As the industry mourns her passing, her discography remains a testament to her bold spirit. For those who grew up listening to her songs, Mama Yabis will always be remembered as a vibrant voice that refused to be silenced.
