Iyun “Saint Janet” Ayilore, the controversial Juju and Highlife singer known for mixing sexually explicit lyrics with gospel-inspired sounds, has died.

Her manager, Jide Bass, confirmed the news to TheCable Lifestyle on Sunday. He did not disclose the cause of her death.

Saint Janet carved out a unique place in Nigeria’s music industry. She gained attention for blending traditional Juju music, street slang and erotic storytelling. Fans often referred to her as the general overseer of the “Sinners’ Chapel” and “St Bottle’s Cathedral”.

The singer also drew criticism for creating risque versions of Christian gospel songs. Her style often sparked controversy and attracted scrutiny from broadcast regulators.

Her provocative music frequently faced censorship on television and radio stations. One of her most popular projects, “Faaji Plus”, reportedly suffered three bans from traditional media because of its raunchy lyrics.

Despite the restrictions, the album became a hit in bars, hotels and clubs across Lagos in the early and mid-2010s. The success strengthened her reputation as an underground music star.

Saint Janet also earned recognition for her energetic stage performances. Some of her notable projects included “Olori Ebi”, “Ore Tuntun”, “Bottle Cathedral”, “Value Bar Osogbo”, and “American Swagger”.

Away from music, she held a diploma in Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta.

She started singing in her local church choir at the age of four. At 18, she joined the Los Kenge highlife/juju band in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as a backup vocalist.

While performing with the band, she met Kayode Iyun, who later became her husband. The couple had a son, Orinayo Michael.