Nigeria’s premium live music ensemble, Shuga Band, is entering a new chapter after the passing of its founder Akiin Shuga, unveiling a refreshed structure and a special medley of classic tunes for the 2026 Valentine season.
The band has released a nuanced mashup of Nigerian and international love classics as its first post founder offering, with the tracks going live on all major digital streaming platforms from February 1, 2026. The project is positioned as both a gift to lovers and tastemakers and a statement that the Shuga sound will continue to thrive.
According to the band, the Valentine medley is more than just another release; it is a deliberate continuation of Akiin Shuga’s legacy and a reaffirmation of the values he built into the brand. To guide this next phase, management has also set up a high calibre board of trustees to provide structure and strategic direction.
Shuga Band has continued to attract a steady stream of bookings from its predominantly high end clientele, drawn from the crème de la crème of society. The band is renowned for its mastery of multiple genres, from classical music to contemporary hits, gospel and rich African traditional sounds.
The group recently delivered its third consecutive special Christmas live performance on Arise TV’s flagship “This Morning” programme, further cementing its reputation. Following the show, media mogul Prince Nduka Obaigbena publicly pledged to keep supporting Akiin Shuga’s legacy by ensuring the band continues to perform at his media group’s events.
Management says the current team is building on the strong foundation of technical proficiency, musical flair, stage craftsmanship and audience engagement laid down by the late founder.
“Our late founder, Akiin Shuga ran so that we could fly,” business manager Jerry Odeh said. “He didn’t just build a band structure but also established a culture of excellence woven into the very fabric of the Shuga Band DNA. We will continue his legacy and make him proud one gig at a time. With a board of distinguished persons, we now have an extra backbone to navigate our post founder phase.”
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