The Nigerian entertainment industry is in a pensive mood over the death of the singer and songwriter, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan.
In a statement, the family confirmed that Sound Sultan died of Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma also known as cancer of the throat.
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In May, he had gone for chemotherapy treatment in the United States of America, according to reports.
As tributes continue to pour-in for the multitalented artist, here are 7 important things to know about him:
- Early Life and Education background
Sound Sultan was born in Jos, Plateau state on November 27, 1976 to Fasasi Adeyinka Ajarat (Mother) and Fasasi Liadi Alarape (Father). He’s the fourth child of five other siblings. He had his elementary education at Stepping Stone Nursery and Primary School, Lagos from 1981 to 1987. He proceeded to Federal Government College, Ogbomoso, Oyo for his secondary school education. Sound Sultan obtained a degree in Geography and Regional Planning from Lagos State University in 1999.
2. Music Career
Like every other talent nurtured in the city of Jos, Plateau State, Sound Sultan discovered his musical prowess early enough as he was famous for always miming at school parties and writing his own lyrics. With the support of his elder brother, Baba Dee, Sound Sultan started learning how to play the guitar after his secondary school education. He became a band member in 1999.
After winning numerous local talent-hunt shows, and independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artistes, he was signed by Kennis Music. He also established his own record label called ‘Naija Ninjas’ in 2008 where he released numerous albums and signed many artistes including, Karma Da Rapper, Young GreyC, Shawn and Blacka.
3. A pacesetter for modern hip hop
Sound Sultan is regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria. He released his first single “Jagbajantis” in 2000 which was a hit at the time. This was the era when the hip hop culture was finding its footing in the country. Sound Sultan was amongst those who brought the genre to life.
4. Working with Wyclef
Sound Sultan worked with big international artists including Haitian/American Wyclef Jean. His work with Wyclef titled “Proud to be African” also featured his friend 2Baba and Faze. They also collaborated on two other projects: “King of My Country” (2009) and “People Bad” (2012).
5 Acting Career
Sound Sultan did not only made a mark in the music industry, he also proved his worth at movie sets. In 2014, he stared in the universally acclaimed comedy movie, “Head Gone” which he produced and was directed by his brother, Dare Fasasi. The Comedy film featured elite entertainers such as Akpororo, 2baba, Basketmouth, Pappy Luwe among others.
6. Marriage and Children
In 2009, Sound Sultan married his long-term girlfriend Chichi Morah, now known as Farida Fasasi after she converted to Islam. The couple has three children.
