CELEBRITIES PAY TRIBUTE TO PRINCESS JULLY

The Kenyan entertainment industry is mourning the loss of legendary Benga musician Lillian Auma Aoka, popularly known as Princess Jully. 

The celebrated artist, whose timeless hits like Dunia Mbaya captivated fans across generations, passed away on Saturday October 12 at the Migori County Referral Hospital.

Kenyan celebrities took to social media to mourn her, musician Musa Jakadalla shared heartfelt words, “Jointly, we’re all heartbroken over the loss of Princess Jully. *’Dunia Mbaya,’* among all her legendary tunes, shall live with us. We have lost the mortal queen, but immortality is preserved for good people like her. She lives in her work that continues to inspire us all. May God rest her soul. #RestInPeace🕊️.” 

Popular media personality Jalang’o also honoured her legacy, writing, “Rest well, Princess… Your legacy lives on! Thank you for your amazing tunes and for gracing @luofestival! Jully Dunia Mbaya forever!” 

Senator Karen Nyamu paid her tribute with a touching message: “I want to give my tribute to Princess Jully aka Jully Dunia Mbaya. I’m a big fan of women who disregard societal expectations. You are my people. Dance with the angels, jaber. Rest in peace, Princess Jully.” 

Walter Oguda, the son of Princess Jully, has confirmed that the Benga musician passed away at 4 p.m. on Saturday, after being hospitalised for the past two months. Oguda revealed that his mother succumbed to multiple organ failure. 

Throughout August, her sons turned to social media, requesting prayers from friends and fans after Princess Jully was admitted to the High Dependency Unit at Migori Hospital. “She had been unwell and was receiving treatment at Migori Hospital. It started with kidney failure, and later her heart also failed, despite showing improvement earlier in the week. Unfortunately, her condition worsened around 11 a.m. today, and we lost Mama at 4 p.m.,” Oguda shared.