The Most Important Things You Need To Know About Sound Sultan

What is his full name? 

Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi; 

When was he born?

November 27, 1976 

Death 

On July 11, 2021, the Fasasi family announced that Sound Sultan had died a day before (July 10, 2021). He lost the battle to Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma (throat cancer). On May 12, 2021, he had been reported to be somewhere in America receiving treatment in the form of chemotherapy for the throat cancer.  

Where was he born?

Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria 

Famous for? 

Sound Sultan was famous for being a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, activist, comedian, and recording artist. He is regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria and credited for inspiring a lot of artistes who eventually became a-lists. 

He was notable for using his music to speak against poverty, corruption, bad governance and societal ills in Nigeria. 

He was also popular for his support for Basketball as he co-founded a basketball team called Lagos City Stars. 

He was made a UN Ambassador for Peace in 2012 in honour of his exemplary lifestyle and impressive career. 

Education 

The Jangbajantis crooner had his elementary education at Stepping Stone Nursery and Primary from 1981 to 1987. He continued at Federal Government College Ogbomoso for secondary school from 1988 to 1993. Then he went to LASU where he obtained a degree in Geography and Regional planning. He graduated in 1999. 

Family  

He was born as the fourth child to Fasasi Adeyinka Ajarat (Mother) and Fasasi Liadi Alarape (Father). He had four other siblings, including Baba Dee (Dare Fasasi), who were of the same father and mother. 

Married to? 

In 2009, Sound Sultan married his long-term girlfriend Chichi Morah, now known as Farida Fasasi, Lanre’s long-term girlfriend. They had three children, two sons and a daughter. 

Religion 

He was born into a Muslim home and he remained a Muslim till death. He has been said not to drink alcohol or smoke. And his wife who was an Igbo Christian lady converted to Islam on their wedding. 

Early career 

He took an interest in music at the tender age of 11. He was miming at school parties and writing his own lyrics. He attributes this early adoption to his elder brother Baba Dee who studied Theatre Ats. From miming, he learnt the guitar, and he started hosting music shows to raise money for his musical career.

After working hard and winning several local talent hunt shows, Sultan released his debut professional single, Jangbajantis in the year 2000 under Kennis music. 

He released four albums under the Kenis music deal and left the label when his contract expired in 2008. 

Discography 

Kpseeeeeeew (2001)

Textbook (2004)

Naija 007 (2007)

SS4 (2008)

Back to The future (2010)

Me, My Mouth and Eye (2012)

Out of The Box (2016)

8th Wondah (2020)

Labels

Kennis Music (1997–2008)

Naija Ninjas (2008–2021)

Famous things Sound Sultan said in his lifetime: 

“The world cannot sleep on Nigeria right now, it will be a failure on their part if they sleep on us.”  

” It is not that I do not like money but I do not let it define who I am or erase some things about my personality. It is very important to uphold some things and stick by them.” – 

“So many artists that are big now, when they were budding artists I inspired and motivated them. From P-Square to Wizkid, Dbanj, Timaya, Asa, and all the other guys. That I want to mentor young up-and-coming artistes doesn’t stop my own movement, it’s more like a positive energy; it’s not something you need to take a break from”

“I played basketball from 1991 till date. I was the basketball team captain of my secondary school and my university, that’s the kind of prominent role I’ve always played, so for me right now it’s not out of place that I now invest in the game. This time around a group of young men came together with the aim of taking basketball in Nigeria to another level and get new converts to buy into the basketball industry.” 

“No one forces anyone to do a religion. It just happened that she married me and she really…really was in love with the religion herself,” he had said on his wife’s conversion to Islam. 

“I feel like artistes are actors. When you look at entertainment, it’s just one big estate of creativity. You can have a neighbourhood where there are both music and movies. They are just closely knit. I don’t feel like I have to wear a new crown to do something [different]. I act in my music videos regardless. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been acting. For 20 years now, imagine that you’ve not seen one-tenth of what I can do. That’s scary. But I’m not the type to rush it,” he had said.

“My music is my story. When you listen to me sing or talk, you can tell that I have been influenced in the direction of that song so I don’t think.” 

“I would never trade the respect I have for anything, I would never trade the respect I command as an artiste, a person, as an individual in the industry, I would never ever trade it for one billion dollars because it is inexhaustible and I can always tap into it and get anything I want.”  

Famous things said about Sound Sultan:

“As a celebrated rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, he lived an exemplary life, achieved several milestones in his career, and contributed greatly to the development of the Nigerian music and entertainment industry through his artistic genius, creativity, and talent, which has inspired many young Nigerians in the industry,” President Muhammadu Buhari.

“He was a bundle of talent who used his God-given gift to advance the course of mankind. His music, artistry and interest in sports were all donated at every point for the development of humanity.” – Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu 

“You were the first person to support me as an artist, gave me your platform for free at a point when I was given up and homeless in Festac Lagos boss @soundsultan, no this hurts really different.” – Jaywon

“(Sound Sultan is) One of the most humble, kindest veteran of our industry. I remember opening for @soundsultan at a show way back in 2005 and the advice he gave me that day to never give up on my dreams even if it felt like nobody was listening then” – Duncan Daniels 

“Sound Sultan (Olanrewaju Fasasi) is “a great loss not just to his family and the Creative Industry, but to Nigeria as a whole’’ – Information minister, Lai Mohammed 

“When I came back to Nigeria under the wings of Sound Sultan, Cecil Hammond and 2Face Idibia… those three guys really kept me grounded. They invested in me spiritually, mentally, emotionally and financially. Honestly, it was just basically not to let my family down.” – Seyi Shay 

“Lanre No Smoke, Lanre No drink (Mr Maltina) Lanre no look woman other than his wife, Lanre was highly religious” – Big N