How popular Islamic musician, Rukayat, died waiting for father’s return

On Tuesday September 9, 2024, the rank of the Islamic musicians’ association in Lagos was depleted with the death of Rukayat Gawat-Oyefeso, one of the sweetest voices in the industry who plied her trade to the excitement of her numerous fans.

Gawat-Oyefeso, who has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites in Ogun State was not just an Islamic musician, she was also the daughter of a popular broadcaster, Alhaji Aremu Gawat, who was declared missing 12 years ago.

Born on Jan 01, 1985, the late Gawat-Oyefeso was survived by her husband, children, mother as well as siblings.

Her fans have continued to mourn her demise, expressing sadness over the sudden death of the Islamic musician who entertained them with her melodious voice. She was a popular face at events and occasions where she was called to entertain the audience with Islamic songs.

Hundreds of fans, relatives and friends converged on Ayepe in Ijebu land, Ogun State for the burial after a Janazal (prayer for the dead) was observed at Ojota, Lagos.

Rukayat Gawat’s unfulfilled dream

Late Rukayat Gawat was described as a strong and highly determined woman who strove to ply her trade of entertaining the people, earning her laurels and applause within the Islamic musical genre. However, the disappearance of her dad remained a sore in her heart until her death.

In one of the interviews she granted, talking about the disappearance of her father, she said she believed her father was not dead and that he would return to them hale and hearty.

At a safety and remembrance prayer session convened at the premises of MITV sometime in 2016, Rukayat said despite the adversity, her mother and siblings were weathering the storm.

“I believe my father is only missing and not dead. Though it is even more painful that he has not been reaping what he invested in us – his children, we, nonetheless, will keep hosting this remembrance prayer in his honour until he returns again to our warm embrace,” Rukayat said.

She had instituted an annual event to honour her father by reaching out to the less privileged, widows, and the needy with gifts and food items.

In an interview, she said, “As long as I am alive, I will continue to honour and remember him. This is my wish and prayer to Almighty Allah.”

Unfortunately, she died without her dream of seeing her father again come to reality as the circumstances surrounding the disappearance remain a mystery.  

Tributes

At her burial in Ogun State, fans, family and friends paid tributes to the Islamic entertainer, extolling her virtues and contributions to the Islamic musical genre.

Ganiyat Gbajabiamila, a school mate, described her as a good and loving friend who never underrated any of them.

She said, “We were school mates, we attended the same primary school and she was very active in our group. She was a good woman, very accommodating and hospitable. She was down to earth and we would really miss her. We only pray to Allah to grant her Aljanat firdaus.”

Monsurat Opeifa, another school mate recalled that their last meeting was during their 20th anniversary and she was on ground to add glamour with her music.

“We did our 20th anniversary and we were together. She added colour to the occasion with her music and we were all very happy. We are planning another anniversary in October and we thought she would still be with us to sing at the event but man proposes, God disposes, ” she said.

Another Islamic musician simply identified as Abbas who was at the burial in a video shared online described Gawat-Oyefeso’s death as shocking and painful.

He advised members of the Islamic Musicians Association of Nigeria to take her death as a lesson to unite.

“Her death was very painful. We were shocked by her death. We pray to Allah to grant her eternal rest. All members of the Islamic Musicians’ Association of Nigeria should unite. Let us learn a lesson from her death and stop unnecessary bickering and fighting. Let us not forget that death is our ultimate end and every one of us shall have a taste of death no matter how long we live,” he said.