Rukayat Gawat Started Her Professional Musical Career At 17 And Maintained Presence For 20 Years

Rukayat Gawat, a Nigerian Islamic singer, tragically passed away on September 24, 2024. She was known for her religious music and captivating voice that resonated with the Muslim community.

Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’wah shared the tragedy on his official Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Her parents, husband, children, close friends, and family survive her.  

Highlights

• Rukayat Gawat seemed to be age 37 when she tragically lost her life.
• She started singing professionally at 17 and maintained her presence for 20 years.
• She was shy, but microphones gave her boldness, and music boosted her confidence.

Rukayat, the first daughter of renowned broadcaster Alhaji Rasaq Gawat, was born in a middle-class religious family in the Isale-Eko area of Lagos State.

Even though Islamic music attracted her, she never dreamed of having the kind of fame her father had. She was one of the best youthful Islamic singers on Lagos Island.

Many Islamic society groups courted her to spice up their programs and inspire the youth to praise Allah.

Rukayat Gawat Was Like A Preacher, And Her Music Was A Message To The World

Rukayat Gawat started singing at age 4 and joined the Islamic Musicians Association of Nigeria.

However, her father opposed her musical career but agreed before his disappearance. He was her best tutor, who taught her never to look down on anybody.

Popular Nigerian Islamic singer, Alhaja Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso has passed away. 😭😭

💔May Allah be pleased with her soul 👏 pic.twitter.com/QuPJLfGYkU

— A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) September 24, 2024

Rukayat seemed to be age 37 when she tragically lost her life. She started singing professionally at 17 and maintained her presence for 20 years.

A Nigerian Islamic singer expressed,

I grew up with a strong passion for music and when i realized i could sing, I jumped at the opportunity.

Although she was shy, microphones gave her boldness, and music boosted her confidence.

She won the City People Award for Best Female Islamic Musician for her album Ogbe Okan (Wound of the Mind). Her studio’s title, Imole Nla, refers to Allah’s supremacy. 

She has released several albums, including Imole, Aye Le, and My Father. Her hit singles include Ogo TunTun, Agbokol’ori, Temitope, Iyawo Obun, Odun Ayo, Ramadan Kareem, and Alao Jowu Jowu.

Besides her musical career, she was involved in the massive production of ice blocks and potable drinking water. 

Nonetheless, Rukayat’s demise news deeply affected the broader Islamic music scene, and the details surrounding her tragedy are yet to be fully disclosed.

Her music was highly creative and based on lessons from the Holy Quran. It expressed women’s challenges and how their faith in Allah helps them maintain balance. 

Additional Information

• Rukayat Gawat grew up with her grandmother and used to attend various Islamic forums while in secondary school.
• She graduated in mass communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).
• Her dressing style was always Islamic and didn’t expose her body. She was always covered with hijab from head to toe.
• She married Mr. Oyefeso for 15 years and has two children, Afolabi Aremu Ayomikun Istijabah and Haleemah Ayokami.