Fuji Musician Shanko Rasheed Mourns Death of First Son Jamaldeen

Nigerian Fuji musician Shanko Rasheed Atanda has announced the death of his first son, Jamaldeen Atanda, describing the loss as a painful moment no parent should experience.

The singer shared the news on Friday through an emotional post on Instagram, where he prayed for his son and reflected on the weight of the tragedy. He did not state the cause of death or provide details on when the incident happened.

In his message, Rasheed wrote: “So sad, no parent prays to lose a child in their lifetime but Alhamdulilahi Jamaldeen Emrs Atanda JNR rest well my champ. I will surely tell you all about it when I see you again. Omo Ola sun reeee.”

The announcement quickly drew reactions from supporters, fellow entertainers and friends, many of whom sent condolence messages and prayers in response.

News of Jamaldeen’s passing has also revived memories of the tribute the Fuji star posted for him during his 12th birthday celebration in December. In that earlier post, Rasheed described his son as a major source of joy and pride and said watching him grow had been one of his greatest blessings.

The contrast between that celebration and Friday’s announcement has deepened the emotional response from followers, with many urging the musician and his family to stay strong through the mourning period.

Rasheed remains one of the recognised names within the Fuji music scene, and the public reaction reflects his connection with audiences who have followed his work over the years. For many fans, the moment has shifted attention from music to compassion and support for a grieving family.

As at the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from family representatives beyond the singer’s social media post. Funeral and burial arrangements were also not disclosed.

Public expressions of grief by entertainers often trigger wide online engagement in Nigeria, where artists maintain close ties with fan communities on social platforms. In this case, the reactions have centred less on celebrity culture and more on empathy for parental loss.

The death of a child remains one of the hardest experiences for families, and the messages sent to Rasheed since Friday have reflected that shared understanding.

Colleagues in the entertainment industry continued to post tributes late into the day, while fans called for privacy and respect for the family as they navigate the difficult days ahead.