Balladeer Hajji Alejandro, known as the “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala” in the 1970s, has died. He was 70.
Alejandro passed away following a battle with Stage 4 colon cancer, which he was diagnosed with late last year. His death was confirmed by his family on Tuesday, April 22.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son. Angelito ‘Hajji’ T. Alejandro. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time. To God be the glory.”
Very few artists can declare that they have an enduring career. Hajji Alejandro was one of those few.
He was a singer for live concerts, stage and recording for over five decades.
Hajji began his career in the 1970s as a member of the famed Circus Band, the group Pat Castillo, Jacqui Magno, Tillie Moreno, Chad Borja, Leah Navarro, Ding Mercado, Ray An Fuentes, Louie Reyes and Basil Valdez — all renowned singers — also got their start.
Hajji’s decision to go solo in 1976 gave rise to his status as a pop star, the voice behind iconic Filipino songs such as “Panakip Butas,” “May Minamahal,” “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan,” “Ang Lahat ng Ito Ay Para sa Iyo” and “Nakapagtataka” (composed by Jim Paredes of the APO). The singerwas perhaps best known for being the interpreter of “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” a composition by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and the winner of the first Metropop Song Festival.
Through the 1980s to the 2020s, he was a sought-after performer here and abroad. At one point, he tried acting by starring in “Panakip Butas” with the late Superstar Nora Aunor, who died a few days before him, on April 16. In 1987, he played the role of politician Don Perico in the Filipino musical “Ang Larawan” based on the English play of Nick Joaquin entitled “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.” In 2023, Hajji portrayed the same character in “Contra Mundum,” the concert version of “Ang Larawan.”
Recent years saw him embarking on an international tour with fellow OPM hitmakers Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and Nonoy Zuñiga.
On December 26, 2024, Hajji celebrated his 70th birthday. His daughter Rachel posted a touching message to mark the occasion. She wrote, “Some of us are blessed with youthful good looks. Some are lucky to have an abundance of talent and a lucrative career while others have lasting good health. At 70 years young today, my Dad Hajji Alejandro has all that and more. I, together with his family, partner and close friends, will all gather for a simple, intimate celebration tonight. His biggest blessing is he is very much loved by us and his fans.”
Although that birthday would be Hajji’s last, it still underscored his longevity, lasting legacy, and his excellence in his craft. Hajji will remain much loved and his smooth voice will continue to reverberate in people’s ears and hearts.
