Renowned Benga singer Lillian Auma Aoka, widely known as Princess Jully, famous for her hit song *Dunia Mbaya*, has passed away.
Her son, Walter Oguda, confirmed that the celebrated musician died on Saturday, October 12, at 4 PM at the Migori County Referral Hospital after battling illness for two months.
Speaking to *Nation.Africa*, Oguda revealed that his mother succumbed to multiple organ failure.
“She had been sick and was admitted to Migori Hospital.
Initially, it was kidney failure, and later her heart stopped despite showing signs of improvement earlier in the week.
Her condition worsened around 11 AM, and unfortunately, she left us at 4 PM,” he shared.
In August, her sons had appealed to friends and fans for prayers, as Princess Jully was in the High Dependency Unit at the hospital.
Oguda, who serves as the Director of Press for Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, described his mother as a loving and irreplaceable figure.
Despite her limited education, she ensured her children received proper schooling.
“We’ve lost a remarkable woman of strength and resilience. Even during her illness, she fought bravely and was on the verge of being discharged. We don’t know what went wrong.”
He also reflected on her musical talent, noting that she had a unique gift of creating music from the heart, often recording without relying on written lyrics.
“Unlike other artists who carry phones or write down lyrics, my mother was blessed with the ability to record hits straight from her mind.”
Born the last of nine siblings in Macalder, South Nyanza, Princess Jully began her career performing backup vocals alongside her late husband, Prince Jully.
After his death in 1997, she took over the band and achieved national fame, following in the footsteps of her idol, Congolese singer Mbilia Bel.
Her hit song *Dunia Mbaya* played a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS during a time when stigma was rampant.
Oguda acknowledged her efforts in fighting the discrimination against those living with the virus, often using public platforms like funerals to encourage individuals to stay on medication.
Princess Jully was known for her modest lifestyle and emphasis on financial discipline among her band members.
She often advised them to save for the future, rather than living extravagantly.
She also offered guidance to young musicians, encouraging them to embrace unity and respect for their predecessors.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she made a heartfelt appeal on Facebook, calling for peace and cooperation among Luo artists, particularly in the face of rising social media conflicts.
“When my husband was singing, he respected his elders and never insulted his peers.
It’s disheartening to see young Luo musicians tarnishing the legacy of music we worked so hard to build,” she had said.
Princess Jully was also a member of the iconic Divas of the Nile group, alongside Suzanna Owiyo, the late Achieng Abura, and Mercy Myra.
Thousands Protest Against Ghana’s Destructive Rise In Informal Gold Mining