Nigeria’s entertainment industry is mourning the death of Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, better known as Saint Janet or Mama Yabis, a veteran Juju and Highlife performer whose bold personality made her one of the most recognizable figures in Nigeria’s live music scene.
She reportedly died after a brief illness, bringing to an end a career that spanned years of performances at parties, celebrations and social gatherings across the country.
Saint Janet was never a conventional musician.
She built her reputation through energetic stage performances, fearless lyrics and an ability to connect directly with audiences. While many artists carefully guarded their public image, Saint Janet embraced controversy.
Her songs blended Juju and Highlife with humour, satire and commentary on everyday life, earning her loyal fans as well as criticism from regulators. At different points in her career, she faced suspensions and backlash over lyrics that many considered too explicit, yet those controversies never stopped her from performing or maintaining a devoted following.
Her passing also highlights something bigger than the loss of one entertainer.
Nigeria’s traditional live music culture is gradually losing many of the personalities who helped define it. Long before streaming platforms, TikTok trends and digital charts dominated the industry, artists like Saint Janet built their careers by performing directly for audiences. Their success depended less on online numbers and more on stage presence, word of mouth and the ability to entertain crowds for hours.
That era produced a unique relationship between musicians and their audiences.
Live Juju and Highlife performers often became part of family celebrations, weddings, birthdays and community events. Their music was not simply consumed through headphones but experienced collectively. Saint Janet understood that culture better than most. Whether people admired or criticized her, few questioned her ability to command attention whenever she stepped onto a stage.
Her influence also reflected the diversity of Nigerian music.
While Afrobeats has become Nigeria’s biggest global export, genres such as Juju, Fuji and Highlife remain deeply rooted in the country’s cultural identity. Artists like Saint Janet helped preserve those traditions even as younger audiences increasingly embraced contemporary sounds. Their contribution cannot always be measured by streaming numbers because much of their legacy lives in live performances and community celebrations rather than digital platforms.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and colleagues who remember her vibrant personality and unmistakable performance style. Many have described her as fearless, entertaining and unapologetically original, qualities that helped distinguish her in an industry where standing out is never easy.
As Nigeria mourns Saint Janet, her death serves as a reminder that the country’s musical history extends far beyond today’s biggest stars. Every generation produces artists who define the sound of their time, and Saint Janet unquestionably belonged to hers.
She may be gone, but the energy, humor and unforgettable stage presence that earned her the nickname Mama Yabis will remain part of Nigeria’s rich Juju and Highlife legacy.
