Daniel Otera
Four years after his passing, the influence of Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, remains deeply rooted across Nigeria’s music, sports, film, and youth development sectors. From socially conscious lyrics to grassroots community initiatives, the late Afrobeats pioneer continues to shape Nigeria’s creative culture, a legacy reaffirmed by commemorative events held in Lagos this week.
To mark the anniversary of his death, the music label he founded, Naija Ninjas, unveiled a series of remembrance activities under the theme “A Tribute to Sound Sultan: 4 Years On.” These include a symbolic basketball match scheduled for Friday, 12 July, at the Sprite Basketball Court in Festac Town, Lagos, a venue that reflects Sound Sultan’s early passion for grassroots sports.
“Even as we continue to grieve the irreparable loss, we take comfort in his enduring legacy. Sound Sultan was more than just a musician; he was a visionary. His legacy continues to inspire and empower a new wave of creatives,” Naija Ninjas said in an official statement.
The tribute match will see the Festac Basketball Foundation Veterans face off against the Recovery House Basketball Team two groups symbolising Sultan’s long-standing commitment to youth engagement through sports. This is not merely ceremonial; it reflects the fusion of music and sports that Sultan consistently championed throughout his life.
Sound Sultan passed away on 11 July 2021, aged 44, after a battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Until his final days, he remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s music scene known for art that addressed inequality, governance, and national identity.
His 2000 breakout single “Mathematics (Jagbajantis)” continues to resonate for its sharp critique of corruption and poor leadership. Follow-up songs such as “Motherland” and “Naija” underscored his belief in transparency, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
According to ThisDayLive, “Mathematics” redefined conscious rap in Nigeria by merging satire with social commentary. The report described it as a “cultural landmark” that used humour and metaphor to confront systemic failures.
Through his Naija Ninjas label, founded in 2007, Sultan mentored dozens of emerging talents including Karma Da Rapper, Young GreyC, and Blacka. Industry sources confirm that more than a dozen creatives launched their careers under his imprint, many of whom now work across music, fashion, film, and media.
“Through his Naija Ninjas label, he created platforms for emerging artistes to express themselves and thrive. His influence reached far beyond music touching lives in fashion, film, and youth sports,” the label said.
His role as a mentor extended beyond studio work. In 2017, he co-founded the Lagos City Stars basketball team and actively supported youth tournaments across Festac, Lagos Island, and Surulere. According to the Nigeria Youth Sports Development Council (NYSDC), between 2010 and 2020, he was directly involved in over 25 community sports events and co-sponsored clinics in Lagos, Kaduna, and Abuja.
“He believed every child should have a hoop to shoot at and a mic to speak into,” said Michael Agbaje, a Festac-based coach and longtime friend. “He never wanted fame alone. He wanted impact.”
Sound Sultan’s contributions were formally acknowledged in 2012 when he was appointed a United Nations Ambassador for Peace, recognising his use of music to promote tolerance, justice, and national unity.
Naija Ninjas further reports that over 40 creatives across music, film, and fashion have passed through platforms built by Sound Sultan. Eight of those artists, according to the label, have since transitioned into successful careers in fashion design, creative entrepreneurship, or film production.
In 2024, the label launched the “Sultan Impact Lab” a youth development initiative that now runs digital and creative workshops in Lagos, Ilorin, and Jos, in partnership with local NGOs.
Since his death, more than 12 tribute songs have been released. Notable among them are “Sound Sultan Street OT” by Ice Prince (2024) and “Sound Sultan & Friends” curated by DJ Shabzyace (2022). These tracks serve as sonic testaments to his enduring relevance in Nigerian music.
A recent Instagram post from his official page described him as a “prophet with a mic”, reading:
“You taught us that art should have a purpose. You reminded us that patriotism isn’t just about waving the flag it’s about holding our country accountable and loving it enough to want better.”
“We miss your humour, wisdom, humility, and ever-present smile. But we carry you in every lyric, every conscious verse, and every dream of a better Nigeria. Rest on, Naija Ninja. Your light still shines. Legends never die.”
Sound Sultan passed away four years ago, and in that time, his legacy has continued to grow. Between 2010 and 2020, he was directly involved in more than 25 community sports events across Nigeria. Through his Naija Ninjas label, he mentored over 40 creatives who have gone on to make their mark in music, fashion, and film. Since 2021, at least 12 tribute songs have been released in his honour. The youth-focused initiative he inspired, the Sultan Impact Lab, is currently active in Lagos, Ilorin, and Jos. His official memorial match is scheduled to take place on 12 July 2025.
Naija Ninjas also announced upcoming initiatives designed to immortalise Sound Sultan’s legacy, including documentaries, school outreach programmes, creative residencies, and music archives.
“The legend lives on and continues to provide inspiration and platforms for creative expression, and we can’t wait to unveil these projects in the coming months,” the label stated.
While many artists are remembered for their chart-topping hits or public personas, Sound Sultan’s memory lives on for something more profound: his commitment to national truth, creative mentorship, and the idea that art must always have a purpose.