Five years after the death of Nigerian music icon Sound Sultan, born Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi, family, friends and colleagues gathered to honour his memory with prayers and reflection at the fifth annual Ramadan lecture and iftar organised in his remembrance.
The event, convened by The Temple Company and led by its Chief Executive, Idris Olorunnimbe, has become a yearly tradition since the entertainer’s passing. This year’s edition featured Quranic recitations and reflections centred on Sound Sultan’s life, faith and enduring legacy within Nigeria’s creative industry.
Delivering a sermon titled “Distraction,” Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad urged attendees to live intentionally and avoid being consumed by worldly pursuits.
“On a daily basis, we are overwhelmed by noise and distractions that pull us away from the reason Allah created us,” Ahmad said. “We are created to worship Allah, yet many of us end up worshipping other things like status, desires and self-interest.”
He encouraged the congregation to “press the brake, pause and reflect” on the direction of their lives, aligning their actions with faith and purpose.
The solemn gathering drew several notable figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including actors Lateef Adedimeji and Tobi Bakre, as well as media personality VJ Adams, alongside music executives and other public figures.
Adedimeji described the late singer as both talented and deeply devoted to his faith. “He lived as a Muslim and died as a Muslim. The best we can do for him is to continue to support him with prayer, so that Allah grants him mercy and places Barakah upon him in the grave,” he said.
Bakre reflected on Sound Sultan’s humility and humanity, saying, “Talking about him is like talking about an angel. We miss him deeply.”
VJ Adams also paid tribute, describing the late entertainer as “an incredibly talented musician and a genuinely good human being.”
Also present was Sound Sultan’s sister, Oluwatoyin Fasasi, who expressed appreciation for the sustained support shown to the family. She thanked Olorunnimbe and The Temple Company for continuing initiatives aimed at preserving her brother’s legacy and supporting his loved ones.
The evening concluded with iftar, as attendees broke their fast together and shared quiet moments of remembrance in honour of the late Afrobeats star, whose music and message continue to resonate years after his passing.