Nigerian reggae legend Majek Fashek has died in his sleep in New York, his manager Omenka Uzoma said. He was 57.
He was popular for hit songs such as Send Down the Rain and So Long for Too Long.
Mr Uzoma said in an Instagram post it was “a time for us all to celebrate his achievements, and not mourn”.
The musician and entertainer whose real name was Majekodunmi Fasheke worked with big stars, including Jimmy Cliff, Tracy Chapman and Snoop Dogg.
“He’s done a lot for Nigeria and Africa,” his manager said.
“He was drawn to reggae in the 1980s at a point when highlife and juju were more dominant in Nigeria. The artist said Bob Marley was a major influence as a consequence his musical style and looks mirrored the Jamaican legend,” noted the BBC.
The cause of death was unknown although he’s been ill.
Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa. Simon covers President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. government, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington D.C. and New York City.