Veteran Ilorin waka music icon Alhaja Rukayat Batimoluwasi dies

The Ilorin Emirate has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran traditional Waka singer, Alhaja Rukayat Batimoluwasi, popularly known as Haja Ruki Batimoluwasi Oni Nasia.

News of her passing was announced with the Islamic expression, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un” (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return).

Alhaja Batimoluwasi was widely celebrated as one of the pioneering female Waka musicians in Nigeria and a leading figure in Ilorin’s traditional music scene. Her songs, rooted in the cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate, blended traditional Waka rhythms with moral lessons, indigenous poetry and storytelling, earning her admiration across generations.

Throughout her career, she played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Waka music. Beyond her performances, she mentored younger artistes and served as the chairperson of Waka music practitioners, where she championed efforts to sustain and develop the indigenous genre.

The late singer maintained a close relationship with the Ilorin Emirate and was a familiar face at cultural and community events. She was known for performing praise songs for distinguished personalities, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

Her body of work, particularly her acclaimed Waka Special, remains one of the enduring contributions to the preservation of Ilorin’s cultural identity and continues to enjoy patronage among lovers of traditional Waka music within and outside Kwara State.

Since news of her death emerged, tributes have continued to pour in from family members, colleagues, cultural enthusiasts and admirers, who described her as a trailblazer, mentor and cultural icon whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic rites.