The Nigerian music industry is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of fast-rising Fuji-pop star, Afeez Adesina, popularly known as Destiny Boy. The young singer passed away at the age of 22, confirmed on Sunday, January 18, 2026, by investigative journalist Temilola Sobola.
Posthumous Fame: A Sudden Social Media Surge
While the cause of death remains unconfirmed, a remarkable and controversial phenomenon has captured public attention. Shortly after the news of his passing broke, Destiny Boy's Instagram following experienced a dramatic and rapid increase.
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @Ounjemiladan highlighted this surge, sharing comparative screenshots that showed the artist gained over 200,000 followers in a matter of hours following the announcement of his death. The post caption, "Destiny boy gained over 200k followers immediately after his deàth. Life just get as e be," succinctly captured the irony that sparked widespread online debate.
Mixed Reactions and Unconfirmed Rumours
The sudden posthumous recognition has drawn mixed reactions from netizens, raising questions about the nature of fame and public engagement. While many expressed genuine grief, others questioned the sincerity of such a massive follower influx after the artist's death.
Comments on the viral X post reflected this dichotomy. User @Miles4PF__ noted, "This life eh. Once you die, everyone will know you o," while @EternalImhotep speculated, "That is how life goes. Most people fake their death cos the benefit is much."
Amid the social media storm, reports indicate Destiny Boy had been battling an undisclosed illness. Unverified accounts suggest he died in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, after seeking treatment, with his body transported to Abeokuta for burial. Rumours of foul play, including poisoning or rituals, have swirled online, though no official cause has been provided.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Destiny Boy's death marks a devastating end to a career that showed immense promise. The singer had recently celebrated significant personal and professional milestones.
In March 2024, he reportedly proposed to his lover with a diamond ring worth millions of naira. Later, in November 2024 at age 20, he welcomed his first child. His journey from a teenage breakout star to a recognized performer had earned him a loyal fan base across Nigeria.
The tragedy has left his family, particularly his young wife, in profound grief. A viral video shows her crying uncontrollably, begging the late singer to wake up and describing him as the star and glory of their family, a scene that has moved many Nigerians to express sympathy online.
As the music community and fans grapple with this loss, the conversation continues to oscillate between celebrating his legacy and scrutinizing the unsettling surge in his digital footprint, a stark reminder of fame's complex nature in the internet age.
