Nigerian music scenes are in mourning after the shocking and still-emerging reports that popular Afro-Fuji singer Afeez Adeshina, best known by his stage name Destiny Boy, has died at just 22 years old. The news first broke on January 18, 2026, spreading rapidly across social media and entertainment news platforms, leaving fans, colleagues and the broader entertainment community reeling.
Destiny Boy was known for his unique fusion of traditional Fuji rhythms with contemporary Afrobeat sounds, a blend that quickly drew attention and helped him stand out in Nigeria’s vibrant music landscape. Born Afeez Adeshina in 2004, he began his entertainment journey at T2 Boys Studios in Agege, Lagos State, where he worked as a backup dancer for legendary Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. This early exposure into the industry helped shape his style and performance confidence.
His breakthrough came in 2019 with a Fuji-style cover of Davido’s hit song “If,” which went viral on social media, introducing him to a wider national audience and marking him as a rising voice in Afro-Fuji music. He followed that success with a string of energetic covers and original tracks, including Lamba, One Transaction, Gbese, Billion Dollar, Mio Gbonkankan, and Lowkey that endeared him to a growing base of admirers.
Despite his youth, Destiny Boy had experienced significant life moments. In November 2024, he and his partner Iremide welcomed their first child, a son, into the world — news he joyfully shared with fans at the time.
Details surrounding Destiny Boy’s death remain unclear and unconfirmed by an official family or management statement. Initial reports spoke of widespread shock across social platforms as fans shared viral videos purportedly showing events related to his passing. Some accounts on social media suggested that he experienced health issues prior to his death, with one industry colleague alleging severe symptoms including vomiting blood shortly before he died. However, as of now there has been no formal cause of death released, leaving many questions unanswered.
While Destiny Boy’s career was still in its early trajectory, his work contributed to a new wave of Afro-Fuji music that blends indigenous Nigerian sounds with modern influences. His sudden departure is being felt not just by his immediate circle but also by a generation of young creatives inspired by his rise from local dance studios to national music stages.
As the story continues to develop, fans and industry watchers alike are hoping for more clarity from Destiny Boy’s family and representatives. But one thing remains clear: the loss of such a young and promising artist has left Nigeria’s music world with a profound sense of grief and a reminder of the fragility of life — even for those whose art seems destined for the spotlight.
