Aduke Gold
By Shade Damiro
Controversy has continued to trail the cause of the death of the late fast rising Gospel singer, Ajayi Aduke Morounkola populatly known as Aduke Gold who died on Monday, 12th of August.
Shortly after her death, there had been different reasons adduced for the cause of death. While some said she died as a result of complications from vertigo attack, others squealed that she died from complications arising from a fibroid surgery, yet some others opined that it had a spiritual undertone but the singer’s family said she died after battling cervical cancer.
The singer had succumbed to the cold hands of death while undergoing treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, leaving many of her fans and fellow artists in shock.
Unknown to many, Aduke Gold was born 37 years ago (on April 10th 1987) in Ilesha Osun State, and grew up in Ogba and Badagry areas of Lagos State. She was from a polygamous family.
Aduke Gold who was single as at the time of her demise was the 11th child of her late parents, Mr and Mrs Ajayi. She was orphaned at age four. She was faced with numerous challenges from a young age.
She rose to stardom after her live performance at the first remembrance of the late gospel artiste, Baba Ara.
The Osun State born singer started her career at the age of 5. One of her famous track “Nitori Ogo” which she released in 2021, which also brought her into limelight.
The news of her death was shared on Monday 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.”
She often shared her story of hawking goods at a tender age. Aduke Gold’s health issues were a huge part of her life. Her battle with vertigo, which caused frequent fainting spells, was a constant challenge she faced while pursuing her music career.
Aduke Gold was a graduate of history and international relations from Lagos State University. She also had her second degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Lagos.
She held a higher degree in Child Psychology, a Diploma in Montessori Education from the UK, and numerous other qualifications in Special Education, Aquaculture, Cake Making, Cookery and Decoration, Music Rudiment, Business, and Piano.
Aduke Gold was a talented gospel singer with several notable songs. Her discography includes both singles and albums that showcased her unique style and soulful voice. Some titles of her songs include Nitori Ogo, Praises,
Won Timi, Adura,
Enikan Pere, Oloore, Olorun De, Gbemiga, Kobo, Anu Ni Mo Fe.
Aduke Gold was Initially known as Aduke Penkele when she started her career as a child artiste, she later adopted the stage name Aduke Gold on the advice of her mentor, Tope Alabi.
She had a passion for teaching young children and was skilled in working with children with special needs, such as autism and dyslexia.
Aduke Gold was inspired by several influential figures in gospel and secular music, like Ambrose Campbell. Outside the gospel terrain, there are artistes such as the Wura-Fadaka group, Epo Akara, Ayinde Barrister, Haruna Ishola, Ebenezer Obe and King Sunny Ade.
Her role models included gospel legends like D.A Fasoyin, The Ayo ni C&S Choir, and Tope Alabi, as well as secular artistes such as King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obe.
