The gospel industry in Nigeria is mourning the death of Aduke Gold, who was a fast-rising and promising singer. Details of her death are still sketchy.
The sad news was shared on Tuesday, August 13, by fellow gospel artiste, Esther Igbeke on social media, who posted a tribute with Aduke Gold’s picture and the caption: “A general has fallen. RIP.”
Here are all the things to know about her.
1. Born Aduke Ajayi, she grew up in the Ogba and Badagry areas of Lagos but hailed from Ilesha, Osun State.
2. She was from a polygamous home and was the 11th child of her parents.
3. She became an orphan at age four.
4. She hawked slippers, yams, and fried fish to make ends meet while growing up. She also learned to cook with firewood when kerosene was scarce.
5. She won a scholarship to pursue a degree in History and International Relations from Lagos State University sponsored by Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, the then Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Lagos State.
6. She also has a higher degree in Child Psychology, with a Diploma in Montessori Education from the United Kingdom and other diplomas in various fields in special education, catering, and music.
7. She started music professionally over twenty years ago.
8. As a gospel artiste, she broke into the industry with her live performance at the first remembrance of the late gospel artiste, Baba Ara but it was her single ‘Nitori Ogo’ that brought her into the limelight and gave her popularity.
9. She began her music career with the stage name Aduke Penkele before she changed it to Aduke Gold as advised by her mentor, Tope Alabi.
10. She battled with a health issue called vertigo which caused frequent dizziness and fainting spells.
11. Aside from music, she had a passion for teaching. As a child educator, she was gifted in dealing with children with special needs like autism, cerebral palsy, and dyslexia.