Majek Fashek: Nigerian reggae lord dies aged 57 in New York

Nigerian reggae lord, Majekodunmi Ifakiisheeke popularly known as Majek Fashek, who helped bring African music through his reggae, rock genres to world audiences with hits like Prisoner of Conscience, which included the multiple award-winning single “Send Down the Rain” has died in New York.

The legend, aged 57, was born March 7, 1963 in Benin City to an Edo Old Bendel State mother and a Ijesha father and died June 2, 2020.

It was reliably gathered that the singer songwriter and guitarist died after battling with cancer for almost a year.

Fashek’s manager, Uzoma Day Omenka who confirmed the sad news on the singer’s Instagram page on Tuesday morning disclosed that he died 11.45 pm June 1, 2020, Nigerian time.

According to him, the ‘Rainmaker’ died in New York, where he was receiving treatment and not in London. The manager added that the doctors advised he should be moved close to his family, which informed his being moved to New York where his wife and children live.

Uzoma informed that the singer, Majek was separated from his family for 10 years until last year September when he reunited with them on the advice of his doctors.

“We moved him from London to New York last September on the advice of the doctors that he should stay close to the family. Majek reunited with his family last year after 10 years of separation. He died in their company, ” he added.

Fashek worked with various artists worldwide including Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé.