The gospel music industry mourns the loss of rising star Aduke Ajayi, better known as Aduke Gold, who has sadly passed away.
The news of her demise was shared on Tuesday by fellow gospel artiste Esther Igbeke on social media, who posted a tribute with Aduke Gold’s picture and the caption: “A general has fallen. RIP.”
Aduke Gold’s death comes in the wake of the death of another prominent gospel singer, Egbin Orun, who died on April 28, 2024. Esther Igbekele, a close colleague, had confirmed Orun’s death via an Instagram post.
Despite the competitive nature of the gospel music industry, Aduke Gold had made huge impacts.
Her soul-lifting songs and passion to her gift won her a growing fanbase and popularity.
Aduke Gold’s breakthrough single, “Nitori 0go” (translated as ‘Because of Glory’), featured on her popular eight-track album, gained viral praise on social media.
Aduke Gold once shared her inspiring journey on Instagram, revealing her early struggles.
From her early days of selling slippers, yam, and fried fish, to her experiences with hardship, she recounted how these challenges shaped her music career.
Aduke Gold revealed that she had once packed fish heads at a frozen foods store and had learned to cook with firewood when kerosene was scarce.
She also reflected on her personal hardships, including being orphaned at the age of four and battling severe vertigo.
Aduke’s academic achievements were as impressive as her musical career.
She earned a degree in History and International Relations from Lagos State University through a scholarship from Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, the then Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Lagos State.
Aduke also held a higher degree in Child Psychology, a Diploma in Montessori Education from the UK, and numerous other qualifications in Special Education, Aquaculture, Cake Making, Cookery and Decoration, Music Rudiment, Business, and Piano.
Her passion extended beyond music, with a particular focus on working with children with special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and dyslexia.