Indeed we belong to Allah - Brother says as Islamic singer, Rukayata Gawat, is dead

Bola Afolabi

“Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” Q 2 V 156.

These are the moving words of Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, as he announces the death of her sister, Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso.

Rukayat, a popular Islamic singer, passed away after about two decades of celebrating Islam and inspiring her audience via Islamic songs.

Her death will remind many followers of the Gawat family’s story about the incident of their broadcaster father, Aremu Gawat, who has been missing since 2012.

This is as Ilorin-based cleric, Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah, also, on Tuesday Morning, announced Rukayat’s death on his official Facebook page.

Her loss is deeply felt among her fans and the broader Islamic music scene – with the news of her death widely shared.

While details of the artiste’s death have yet to be made public, here are her words from a 2018 interview with ‘The Nation’:

“To be honest, I didn’t know I could ever be where I am now. Though I have the passion for music, I didn’t know that Allah could actually make a star out of me and make my songs acceptable. My career started a long time ago, but God made me prominent just about three years ago when I produced ‘Ogbe Okan’. To be adjudged as the best female Islamic artiste by two prominent and highly-respected media houses is remarkable. I will forever be grateful to Allah for what He has done concerning my life and my career.”

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“In most of my songs, I talk about homes and I advise women because I know what it takes to keep a peaceful home. It is very challenging. I have been married for over nine years now and it has not been easy. We just have to live in peace. According to Islam, it is not proper for a woman to live alone. All these are happening in our society, and I am using my songs to educate women.”

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“It is hard work and commitment to what gives me joy. Another major thing that I believe is that people love me because of my father’s story. I mean everyone who loved my dad during his lifetime has transferred the love to me. Second, the Yoruba appreciate well-mannered people. Having a good father is wonderful. He contributed so much to me, and that is the secret of my success. Whenever people meet me, they see Islam in me, testifying to the life of a role model that I live.”