The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of award-winning musician and leader of the popular Shuga Band, Akinloye “Akin Shuga” Tofowomo.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement posted on his official Instagram page on Monday. He was 50 years old.

According to the statement, Akin Shuga died in New Brunswick, Canada, though the family did not disclose the cause of death.

“It is with profound solemnity and total submission to the will of God that the family of Akinloye Tofowomo (Akin Shuga), revered music icon, Grandmaster, and Managing Director of Shuga Limb Foundation and Shuga Entertainment, Nigeria’s most prestigious live band, announces his passing in New Brunswick, Canada,” the statement read in part.

The family described the late singer as “more than a musician,” calling him “a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.”

They added that across more than three decades of excellence, both on stage and in mentorship, he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose.

The family appealed for privacy as they come to terms with their “immeasurable loss,” noting that funeral arrangements and memorial details would be announced in due course.

 “The family extends heartfelt appreciation to all who have reached out with prayers, tributes, and kind words. Akinloye Tofowomo’s legacy will continue to live on through the Shuga Band and Shuga Entertainment. He is survived by his loving wife, children, siblings, and mother. May his noble soul find eternal rest,” the statement added.

Akin Shuga, who founded the Shuga Limb Foundation, was passionate about supporting people living with polio, a cause he championed from personal experience, having contracted the disease at age five.

In a 2018 interview with Premium Times, the Ondo-born entertainer described his enduring presence in the music industry as a product of “destiny, timing, and divine source.”

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Boston, where he studied Music Business, Akin Shuga built a reputation for his energetic performances and ability to light up social events.

Among his notable songs are “I Can Walk,” “My Lady,” and “Married Today.”

He also received several awards, including the City People Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), Shuga Band Best Band of the Year (2016), and The Beatz Award (2017).