Afrobeats star Asake has mourned the death of a woman who died in a crowd crush at his recent concert in Kenya.
Karen Lojore, 20, died in a crush while waiting in long lines to get into Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, Dec. 20, the BBC reported. Delays to get into the venue were worsened by heavy rain and other fans were also injured.
In speaking with the BBC, Kenyan police spokesman Michael Muchiri called the crush a “very unfortunate” incident.
“I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec. 20th in Nairobi,” Asake wrote on his Instagram Story Monday. “My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Karen Lojore, and I pledge to support and do my best to understand what happened. Those responsible should be held accountable.”
The Nigerian singer-rapper added, “Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss. My thoughts are with everyone grieving, and I pray that Karen rests in peace. God Bless Kenya.”
Tukutane Entertainment, the concert’s promoter, also issued a statement on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic incident occurred during our December 20th concert, resulting in the loss of life,” it read. “Our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. We extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time. The safety and well-being of everyone who attends our events is something we take very seriously.”
Tukutane Entertainment added that it is “cooperating fully with emergency services and the appropriate authorities as they work to understand what happened” and “will share additional information as appropriate and in coordination with the relevant authorities.”
Lojore’s loved ones have since called for a full investigation, per the BBC. A woman believed to be her mother wrote sent a message to Asake and concert organizers on social media that read, “What happened to my child? Why her? I want justice for my child,” according to the outlet.
This is the second concert crush to happen at one of Asake’s shows, according to Stereogum. Several people were hospitalized after hundreds of fans stormed into London’s O2 Academy Brixton for a concert back in 2022, Billboard reported at the time. Eight people were treated for injuries “believed to have been caused by crushing,” Metropolitan Police told the outlet.
Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, is one of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeat stars. He burst onto the scene with his 2022 debut album, “Mr. Money With the Vibe.” The album debuted and peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard 200 chart, as well as Asake’s second album “Work of Art” (2023).
The artist’s third studio album “Lungu Boy,” released in 2024, became his third consecutive No. 1 album in Nigeria, and landed at 115 on the Billboard 200. Asake’s accolades include an All Africa Music Award, two Headies awards and one MOBO award in addition to nominations for a BET Award, two Grammy Awards and an NAACP Image Award.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.masslive.com ’
