The late Nigerian Juju and Highlife musician, Iyun Ajilore, popularly known as Saint Janet, switched from gospel music to songs with sexually explicit themes after discovering that the new style attracted larger audiences, more bookings and greater financial rewards, according to her longtime backup singer.

Sunkanmi, popularly known as Suko, made the disclosure during an interview with Alejo TV, explaining the circumstances that influenced the late singer’s musical transition.

Suko, who said he had known Saint Janet for more than 25 years, recalled meeting her when she was still a backup singer for Nurse Kenge while he worked as a freelance drummer.

He said he eventually joined Saint Janet when she decided to establish her own band and initially focused on a combination of Juju and gospel music.

Why Saint Janet started with gospel music

According to Suko, Saint Janet began her independent career by blending traditional Juju with gospel music, with the band using a Celestial Church for rehearsals.

He said the group also recorded its first studio project, but the recording failed to attract significant public attention despite the money and effort invested in it.

Suko recalled that the cassette eventually remained unused because the audience did not respond to the music as expected.

He described Saint Janet as a hardworking musician who continued performing at weddings, bars, beer parlours and other social gatherings despite the limited reception to her gospel songs.

Why she changed her musical approach

Suko said the lack of audience engagement eventually prompted Saint Janet to experiment with a different form of entertainment.

According to him, she began incorporating romantic and sexually suggestive themes into her songs while drawing inspiration from activities and personalities at social events.

He explained that Saint Janet would observe what was happening around her and transform those situations into songs that entertained the audience.

Suko said the approach proved successful because it immediately generated stronger reactions from people at events.

The backup singer explained that Saint Janet’s performances became more interactive, with the musician using situations involving guests and couples as part of her entertainment.

Why the new songs brought more money

Suko said the new musical style significantly improved Saint Janet’s commercial prospects.

According to him, the band began receiving more invitations from clubs, bars and other social gatherings after audiences became attracted to the new songs.

He added that the financial returns also improved, particularly through money sprayed on the musicians during performances.

Suko said the difference became particularly obvious at a wedding where Saint Janet initially performed gospel songs before the bride’s family requested her newer style.

Although members of the band raised concerns because children were present, the family reportedly insisted that Saint Janet perform the songs.

He said the response from guests was overwhelming, with the band making considerably more money during the newer performance than during the gospel songs.

Why Saint Janet did not abandon gospel completely

Despite the success of her explicit songs, Suko stressed that Saint Janet did not completely abandon gospel music.

He said she continued to receive inspiration for gospel songs and still performed them on occasions.

Suko recalled that some religious gatherings also invited the band to perform the newer songs, despite their adult themes.

He said the development showed how popular Saint Janet’s distinctive style had become among different audiences.

Why Suko stayed with Saint Janet

Suko said he remained with Saint Janet’s band for many years because of the close relationship they developed.

He described their bond as a family relationship that went beyond their professional association.

He also recalled the singer’s final performance, saying she appeared to recognise his longstanding loyalty and support.

According to him, Saint Janet publicly acknowledged the length of their working relationship and later gave him her wristwatch while also spraying money on him.

Suko said he did not realise at the time that the gesture might have been a final farewell.

Why Saint Janet’s death shocked her family

The account came shortly after Saint Janet’s children revealed details about her final hours.

Her daughter, Omowunmi, said the singer had performed at a show in Sango, Ogun State, the night before her death and showed no obvious signs of illness.

She returned home after the overnight performance and went to the market the following day before returning around 6pm.

Omowunmi said her mother later complained of chest pain and experienced difficulty breathing while preparing food at home.

The singer was subsequently taken to hospital, where she was admitted and given oxygen.

Her son, Orinayo, said medical personnel attended to her shortly after she arrived but later discovered that she had lost her pulse.

Saint Janet’s death has since generated widespread mourning among members of Nigeria’s Juju and Highlife music communities, with colleagues and family members remembering her for her energetic performances and distinctive musical style.