Renowned Nigerian gospel singer, Dele Agbeyo, popularly known as Dele Gold, has passed away.
The self-proclaimed “Miliki Gospel King” reportedly died on Wednesday, September 11 after a brief illness, leaving the Nigerian gospel music community in shock.
Dele Gold, who hailed from Usi, Ekiti State, but grew up in Faforiji, Osun State, was known for his unique style of gospel music that blended traditional Yoruba rhythms with spiritual themes.
His death has been confirmed by several of his colleagues, who took to social media to express their grief.
Gospel singer Titi Oguntoyinbo posted on Facebook, “Lord, this is a rude shock to me, hmmm,” while fellow musician Akinlabi Major shared, “Let someone tell me this is not true. RIP Dele Gold.”
Popular Juju singer Alayo Melody also expressed his disbelief on Instagram: “Dele Gold Kee??? Ahh, this is getting too much ooo!!! May God help us stop untimely deaths. Dele Agbeyo, may your soul rest well.”
Wonder Doyin Kujore, another colleague, took to Facebook to reflect on the fragility of life, writing, “Nothing is in this world; let us live today and leave tomorrow for God.
“I find it difficult to post about people who die prematurely because it saddens my heart, but I just have to pay my last respects here. Hmm… this life is full of vanity. Rest on, Dele Agbotikuyo, Dele Gold.”
Dele Gold garnered attention in 2019 for his collaboration with Juju music legend Ebenezer Obey on his album, further solidifying his place in the gospel music scene.
His death comes just a month after the loss of another gospel artist, Aduke Ajayi, known as Aduke Gold, who succumbed to cervical cancer.