President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to the veteran singer, rapper and songwriter, Olanrewaju Fasasi, also known as Sound Sultan.

The singer passed away on July 11, 2021, at the age of 44, after a long fight with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a category of malignancies that attack the lymphatic system.

Sound Sultan was buried on Sunday according to Muslim traditions.

President Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, issued a statement on Monday entitled, “President Buhari condoles with the Fasasi family on the loss of Sound Sultan.”

The statement reads:

President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the Fasasi family on the death of renowned singer and songwriter, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, aged 44. The President notes that Sound Sultan’s demise is not only a loss to the Nigerian music industry, but to the country as a whole.

As a celebrated rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, he lived an exemplary life, achieved several milestones in his career, and contributed greatly to the development of the Nigerian music and entertainment industry through his artistic genius, creativity, and talent, which has inspired many young Nigerians in the industry.”

The deceased, President Buhari affirms, was kind, generous, and deeply passionate about issues in the country, which reflected in his music and art, and as an avid basketball fan, he made telling contributions to the development of local basketball in the country.

The President prays for the eternal repose of the soul of the departed and divine peace and comfort for the family, friends, and associates.