Shuga Band, one of Nigeria’s most established live music ensembles, has unveiled a new brand identity in honour of its late founder and music maestro, Akinloye Tofowomo, popularly known as Akiin Shuga, as the band marks the first anniversary of his death.
The tribute, which forms part of activities commemorating the late musician, reflects his enduring influence on the band he founded and nurtured into one of the country’s recognised premium live entertainment outfits.
Akiin Shuga, who died on October 30, 2025, was instrumental in shaping the band’s musical identity, professional standards and reputation among Nigeria’s high-profile audiences. Through his leadership, musical versatility and commitment to excellence, he built Shuga Band into a sought-after entertainment brand, performing at exclusive events attended by prominent political figures, business leaders and celebrities.
To preserve his memory, the band dedicated the month of October to celebrating its late founder, unveiling a new logo featuring his image holding a microphone, a fitting representation of the musician whose voice and stagecraft defined much of the band’s identity.
The new visual identity has been introduced across the band’s owned media platforms and reinforced at its engagements throughout the month.
In another move to preserve his musical legacy, Shuga Band released Best of Akiin Shuga, a compilation of his live performances, across digital music platforms, allowing fans to reconnect with the performances that helped establish his reputation.
Founded in 1998 by the Berklee College of Music-trained musician, Akiin Shuga spent more than two decades building the ensemble into a respected name in Nigeria’s live entertainment industry and beyond.
His influence extended beyond his musical talent. As a former president of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON), he advocated a more structured music industry anchored on professionalism, integrity and trust. These principles became central to Shuga Band’s operations and continue to guide its activities following his death.
Speaking on the significance of sustaining his vision, the band’s Chief Operating Officer, Maria Tofowomo, said that the late founder believed that music was fundamentally about service, faith and bringing joy to people.
“Our founder, Akiin Shuga, taught us that music is service to people, to God and joy itself. He advocated for a structured industry built on integrity, trust and professionalism, and our ability to sustain his legacy is a testament to those values,” she said.
Despite the loss of its founder, the band has continued to strengthen its operations and expand its institutional structure. Earlier in the year, it unveiled a Valentine’s medley for lovers and announced the constitution of a high-level advisory board to provide strategic direction and oversight.
Its recent performances have included Dr Muiz Banire’s 60th birthday celebration, Seplat Nigerian Content Day, Prince Nduka Obaigbena’s 67th birthday, FCMB SheVentures and Shuttlers’ 10th anniversary, among other high-profile engagements.
Maintaining the musical repertoire established by its founder, the ensemble continues to deliver performances across different genres, including classical, traditional, gospel and contemporary music.
The band’s Business Manager, Jerry Odeh, expressed appreciation to its stakeholders for their support since Akiin Shuga’s death, describing the founder’s values as the foundation upon which the organisation is building its future.
“We are grateful for the support that we have enjoyed from all our stakeholders in the last one year. The strong values of service, excellence and professionalism established by our founder and maestro, Akiin Shuga, have been our compass,” Odeh said.
He added that the band was positioning itself as a generational brand through continued innovation and improved service delivery.
Beyond music, the late founder’s humanitarian interests also remain part of the legacy the organisation is committed to preserving.
Odeh disclosed that the activities of the Shuga Limb Foundation, an initiative established by Akiin Shuga to support people living with physical disabilities and promote polio awareness, have continued.
As part of activities marking World Polio Day, the foundation recently empowered two physically challenged individuals. One beneficiary received shoemaking equipment to support his livelihood, while another was presented with a wheelchair to improve mobility. The items were presented by Kunle Akinkugbe.
Until his death, Akiin Shuga remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s live music circuit, entertaining influential personalities, including three serving presidents and some of the country’s wealthiest business leaders.
His musical talent, distinctive voice and mastery of live performance helped establish his place in the industry, but his greatest contribution may well be the institution he built and the professional standards he instilled in those who worked with him.
One year after his death, Shuga Band’s renewed identity, continued performances and preservation of his recordings demonstrate an effort to ensure that the name and musical legacy of Akiin Shuga remain relevant to future generations.
