Renowned Nigerian Islamic singer, Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso, has passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of many who admired her melodious voice and spiritually uplifting music.
Her demise was announced on Tuesday morning by popular Ilorin-based cleric, Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah, through his official Facebook page.
The news of her passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from her fans and the wider Islamic music community, who have shared their condolences and expressed their sorrow over the tragic loss.
Confirming the sad news, Jubril A. Gawat, a brother of the deceased and Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took to his X account on Tuesday morning, quoting a verse from the Quran, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” Q 2 V 156.
His post has received numerous responses from followers and associates who have joined in mourning the talented singer.
While details surrounding her death and burial are still unclear, PUNCH has been unable to verify further information.
However, a colleague and fellow Islamic musician, Alhaja Misturah Aderounmu, known as TeminiSuccess1, hinted at the tragic news in a TikTok post on Monday afternoon.
The post, which was captioned with a somber message, “In the spirit of hustling, may we not be brought home dead,” only gained context after the news of Gawat’s death became public.
Rukayat Gawat was not only celebrated for her contributions to Islamic music but also known as the daughter of the missing broadcaster and Islamic presenter, Alhaji Rasaq Aremu Gawat, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances on July 6, 2012.
His vanishing act gripped the nation, and no information about his whereabouts has surfaced since then.
In a 2017 interview, Rukayat revealed that her father’s disappearance served as a driving force in her career, motivating her to continue his legacy.
Despite the challenges, she remained dedicated to her faith and music, once stating in a 2019 interview that she would rather quit music than go secular.
Born on Lagos Island, Rukayat hailed from Igbaja in Kwara State and was married to Alhaji Shakiri Oyefeso.
Her passing marks the end of a vibrant career and a life committed to the propagation of Islamic values through music.
