* As Temple HQ brings together family and creatives to honour late music icon
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the headquarters of Temple HQ at Saka Tinubu, Victoria Island, Lagos, once again transformed into a serene space of reflection, remembrance, and spiritual nourishment as it hosted its annual Ramadan Lecture and Iftar in honour of the late music star and songwriter, Abdulganiy Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan.
The event, organised under the visionary leadership of Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe, Chief Executive Officer of Temple Company and Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), brought together members of the creative industry, both Muslims and non-Muslims, as well as family members, friends, and well-wishers, all eager to celebrate a man whose life bridged artistry, faith, and humanity.
Muslim News gathered that the fifth edition of the yearly event tackled one of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary Muslims and society, with the renowned Muslim scholar and National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad, serving as the guest lecturer. 
Sheikh Ahmad, a central speaker since the initiative was launched, drew the attention of guests, including members of the late Sound Sultan’s family, Lagos State Permanent Secretaries, and other prominent figures from the creative and professional community, to the spiritual importance of living with intention and purpose.
“On a day-to-day basis, we are being distracted,” Sheikh Ahmad said, adding, “Distraction by noise, by pursuit of wealth, by entertainment, and even by innovations that appear meaningful but are a disguise for diversion is all around us. The reality is that we are being distracted from the main purpose for which Allah has created us.”
The respected scholar reminded the audience that the true purpose of human existence is to worship Allah in gratitude for His creation, provision, and mercy.
“Rather than worshipping Allah sincerely, many of us serve our own interests at the expense of humanity. We are worshipping distractions rather than our Creator,” he said.
Sheikh Ahmad emphasised that every human being will give account of their sense organs, what they saw, what they heard, and how they engaged with the world, reinforcing the Islamic teaching that accountability is comprehensive and inescapable.
The National Missioner of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most influential Islamic socio‑religious organisations emphasized the importance of starting each day with intention, urging people to plan their twenty‑four hours purposefully.
“To succeed, a person must be intentional or renew their intentions daily. Begin your day with a definite plan. Spend your hours by design, not by accident. If used correctly, your time can help you achieve not only material success but spiritual fulfilment,” he said.
He described the five daily prayers as spiritual reset buttons that reconnect believers to Allah, steer them away from wrongdoing, and nurture mindfulness.
According to him, “Prayer is a cure for the soul. It reminds us that life is not meant to be lived distracted or disconnected. Each Salah provides an opportunity to reset, reorient, and reconnect with the One who sustains us.”
The lecture ran through Iftar, where guests first broke their fast with assorted fruits before performing Maghrib Salah on the premises, led by Sheikh Ahmad.
This moment symbolised both spiritual and physical nourishment, reinforcing the Islamic principle of balance between worship and daily life.
A variety of meals were provided to all who came to honour the late music icon, demonstrating hospitality and unity in the holy month of Ramadan.
Several creative industry figures later shared personal reflections on the late Sound Sultan, who returned to Allah in July 11, 2021 at 44, leaving behind a wife, three promising children and caring family and friends
Tobi Bakri, popular Nollywood actor and photographer, described the musician as “my egbon, meaning my big brother…one celebrity who showed natural love, humility, and simplicity.
“He was always a role model. Even when I worked in the bank, I looked forward to seeing him attend Jumu’ah. This annual gathering allows us to commit his soul to the Almighty, and it keeps his memory alive.”
Another Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji expressed deep gratitude for being part of the programme, noting, “I am happy to be here this year, especially because this program holds in the blessed month of Ramadan, Alhamdulillah. We are here to remember our dear brother.
He lived as a Muslim and died as a Muslim. I have always missed this gathering, but I said to myself, I wasn’t going to miss it this year, wherever I am, I will attend and Alhamdulillah, I made it.”
He added that Sheikh Ahmad had officiated his Nikaah, making the lecture an opportunity to reconnect with a spiritual guide he deeply respects.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Hajia Muhibat Oluwatoyin Fasasi, Sound Sultan’s eldest sister and a Director in the Lagos State Civil Service, said the event held deep significance for them.
According to her, “This event means a lot to us. We thank Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe for organising yet another successful prayer and tafsir in honour of our brother. It is remarkable to have a friend who remembers you while you are alive and even after you are gone. We truly appreciate Mr. Idris and all the members of Temple HQ for keeping this memory alive.”
She also lauded Sheikh Ahmad for his continuous dedication to delivering the lecture despite his busy schedule.
The evening was not only a tribute to a remarkable life but also a call to the living: to act with intention, worship sincerely, and embrace compassion in every day. Through prayer, reflection, and shared memories, guests celebrated the legacy of Abdulganiy, a life defined by humility, faith, and artistry. May Allah grant his grave radiant light and eternal peace. Ameen.
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