Juju singer Saint Janet had difficulty breathing before death, children recount

Juju singer Saint Janet, whose real name is Iyun Janet Ajilore, passed away after experiencing difficulty breathing, according to her children. The family shared their account during an interview with Alore TV, which was published on YouTube. The singer, known for her vibrant performances and distinctive Juju and Highlife music, reportedly suffered symptoms such as chest pain and irregular breathing shortly before her death. Saint Janet's daughter, Omowunmi, stated that the artist performed at an overnight show in Sango, Ogun State, the night before her passing. She noted that the singer appeared healthy during the event and received positive feedback from the audience. Upon returning home, Saint Janet went to the market the following day and returned around 6 p.m., insisting on cooking for herself despite seeming fine earlier. After finishing her meal, she began checking around the house for tasks, when Omowunmi noticed her mother clutching her chest. Saint Janet described feeling as though something was dropping from her chest and her breathing became irregular. The family members, including Omowunmi, explained that Saint Janet requested immediate medical attention. Her uncle and three other siblings transported her to the hospital, where she was quickly admitted and given oxygen. According to Omowunmi, the journey to the hospital took less than ten minutes. Her son, Orinayo, confirmed that medical staff attended to Saint Janet immediately upon arrival but later found that she had lost her pulse. Another daughter, Fola, arrived at the hospital only to be informed of her mother’s death. She recalled seeing the soup Saint Janet had prepared and noted that the singer had not shown signs of illness. Fola described Saint Janet as a caring mother who often made sure others around her had food. She emphasized how deeply affected the family was by the loss. Saint Janet’s manager, who had collaborated with her for several years, corroborated the family’s account. He stated that the singer showed no signs of illness during her last performance in Sango. After the show, she stayed among the audience, conversed with the organizer, and continued singing without any indication of discomfort. The manager also revealed that Saint Janet had contacted him on the day of her death, mentioning that she was preparing soup and promised to return his call later. The family has formed a committee to handle the burial arrangements. A nine-day prayer and thanksgiving program has already begun, and the funeral services are scheduled for August 25 and 26. Saint Janet’s death was first publicly announced by publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies on Sunday via a Facebook post. In his message, he highlighted Saint Janet’s contributions to Nigerian music, noting her energetic stage presence and socially unfiltered party tracks. Saint Janet was a beloved figure in the Nigerian music scene, particularly within the Juju and Highlife communities. Her dynamic performances and unique musical style earned her a dedicated fan base. The Nigerian entertainment industry is currently in mourning over her passing, with many expressing their condolences and acknowledging her impact on the cultural landscape.