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Akinloye Tofowomo, widely known as Akiin Shuga, was a Nigerian musician, band leader, entrepreneur, and advocate who left a significant mark on the country’s live music scene. Born in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria, he was the son of the late Justice S.A. Tofowomo, a judge of the Federal High Court.
At the age of five, Tofowomo contracted polio, a condition that shaped much of his personal and professional journey. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, he pursued a career in music and entertainment from an early age and often spoke publicly about living with the effects of polio.
Tofowomo founded Shuga Band, a 14-piece live music group that became one of Nigeria’s most prominent bands for high-profile events, weddings, and corporate performances. He also managed Shuga Entertainment Nigeria Limited, through which he earned a reputation for professionalism and business-minded leadership in the live music industry. In 2019, he was sworn in as President of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON), further cementing his influence in shaping standards for live performance across the country.
Beyond music, Akiin Shuga used his platform to advocate for persons living with disabilities. Drawing from his experiences with polio, he founded the Shuga Limb Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting people with limb-related challenges through empowerment programs and access to assistive devices. The foundation’s initiatives included the Gifted & Talented project, which provided training, equipment, and recognition for persons living with disabilities.
Throughout his career, Akiin Shuga released music that reflected both his live performance style and his personal experiences. For instance, his song “I Can Walk,” produced by Cobhams Asuquo, was dedicated to polio survivors and people with physical challenges. He consistently emphasised the importance of ability over limitation, using his story and platform to inspire others and change public perceptions about people living with physical disabilities.
Akinloye Tofowomo passed away on 30 October 2025 in New Brunswick, Canada, at the age of 50. His life and career intersected entertainment, business, and social advocacy, making him a respected figure not only for his musical talent but also for his contributions to society and the empowerment of people with disabilities.
