Nigeria Reggae legend, Majek Fashek has died at the age of 57.

Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, was a Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist. He was best known for the 1988 album Prisoner of Conscience, which included the multiple award-winning single “Send Down the Rain”.

His manager Umenka Uzoma Day had previously revealed that he was seriously ill and was admitted at a medical facility in London.

“Majek Fashek is very sick as we are currently at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolich in England,” he said.

But later on Tuesday morning, on Majek Fashek’s official page, posted that he had died.

 

Today been having pressure calls, well it is true that the African No 1 Legendary ICON has gone to be with the LORD his Maker,

Let celebrate him, his achievements and his family,what ever decisions made by his immediate family will be notify.

From his Manager: OMENKA Uzoma Day.

Although, Mr Uzoma did not immediately disclose the cause of death, which could be deliberate considering his past refusal to disclose the nature of the artist’s illness.

Majek Fashek began his music career in the 80s when he was a member of Jastix group. He was known then as Rajesh Kanal. They were best known as the in-house band on the show ‘Music Panorama’ on NTA Benin, and toured with fellow reggae group The Mandators.

Fashek’s fame peaked in 1988 when he released the album ‘Prisoner of Conscience’. It fetched him six PMAN awards including ‘Song of the Year’ for the song ‘Send Down the Rain’.

Unlike musicians of his time who were drawn to indigenous hybrids such as Juju and Fuji, Fashek was recognised as one of the original Nigerian artists to be drawn to the music of the Caribbean, specifically reggae.

Last year, Fashek who struggled with drug addiction was rumoured dead but his manager quelled the rumours by confirming his critical health condition. Billionaire Femi Otedola pledged to cover his medical bills.

He was survived by four children and his ex-wife, Rita.