Popular Nigerian Juju and Highlife musician, Iyun Ajilore, better known as Saint Janet, switched from gospel Juju to sexually explicit songs after discovering that the style attracted larger audiences, more bookings, and higher earnings at social events, according to her longtime backup singer, Sunkanmi, popularly known as Suko.
Suko, who worked with Saint Janet for more than 25 years, disclosed this in an interview with Alejo TV on Tuesday, recalling how the late singer initially built her career around a combination of Juju and gospel music before experimenting with a more provocative sound.
According to him, Saint Janet’s early gospel recordings failed to attract significant public attention despite the money invested in them. He said one of her first studio projects received so little attention that the cassette was eventually left unused under her bed.
Suko said Saint Janet remained determined and continued performing at different events, including weddings, bars, and beer parlours. However, he noted that audiences at some of those venues did not respond strongly to her gospel performances, prompting the singer to explore a different approach.
He explained that Saint Janet eventually developed a performance style that incorporated sexual themes and situations occurring at social gatherings. Rather than simply performing songs, she used people and events around her as material for her lyrics and entertainment.
Suko said the change produced an immediate difference in the band’s fortunes, particularly in the amount of money sprayed on the performers during shows. He added that the new style also began generating more bookings from clubs and bars.
He stressed, however, that Saint Janet did not completely abandon gospel music after adopting the explicit style. According to him, she continued to receive inspiration for gospel songs and performed them on some occasions.
He recalled one wedding where Saint Janet was performing gospel music before members of the bride’s family requested that she switch to the newer sound that had become popular with audiences.
Suko said the band initially objected because children were present at the event, but the family insisted. When Saint Janet eventually performed the explicit songs, the audience responded enthusiastically and sprayed more money than they had during the gospel performance.
He further claimed that the demand for the songs extended beyond secular venues, saying the band had also been invited to some churches where organisers requested Saint Janet’s explicit, adult-rated songs.
Suko said he remained with Saint Janet’s band because their professional relationship had developed into a close family bond. He also recalled her final performance, saying the singer publicly acknowledged his longstanding support and gave him her wristwatch while spraying money on him.
Saint Janet’s death followed a health emergency shortly after she performed at an overnight show in Sango, Ogun State. Her daughter, Omowunmi, said the singer showed no obvious signs of illness during the performance before returning home the following day.
Omowunmi said Saint Janet later complained of chest discomfort and developed irregular breathing after preparing a meal at home. She was taken to a hospital and placed on oxygen, but her son, Orinayo, said medical personnel later discovered that she had lost her pulse.
