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Afrobeats star Asake has mourned the death of a woman who died in a crowd crush at his recent concert in Kenya. <\/p>\n
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<\/a>. Delays to get into the venue were worsened by heavy rain and other fans were also injured. <\/p>\n In speaking with the BBC, Kenyan police spokesman Michael Muchiri called the crush a \u201cvery unfortunate\u201d incident. <\/p>\n \u201cI am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec. 20th in Nairobi,\u201d Asake wrote on his Instagram Story<\/a> Monday. \u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The Nigerian singer-rapper added, \u201cMusic 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Tukutane Entertainment, the concert\u2019s promoter, also issued a statement on social media<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cWe are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic incident occurred during our December 20th concert, resulting in the loss of life,\u201d it read. \u201cOur 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.\u201d <\/p>\n Tukutane Entertainment added that it is \u201ccooperating fully with emergency services and the appropriate authorities as they work to understand what happened\u201d and \u201cwill share additional information as appropriate and in coordination with the relevant authorities.\u201d <\/p>\n Lojore\u2019s 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, \u201cWhat happened to my child? Why her? I want justice for my child,\u201d according to the outlet. <\/p>\n This is the second concert crush to happen at one of Asake\u2019s shows, according to Stereogum<\/a>. Several people were hospitalized after hundreds of fans stormed into London\u2019s O2 Academy Brixton for a concert back in 2022, Billboard reported at the time<\/a>. Eight people were treated for injuries \u201cbelieved to have been caused by crushing,\u201d Metropolitan Police told the outlet. <\/p>\n Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, is one of Nigeria\u2019s biggest Afrobeat stars. He burst onto the scene with his 2022 debut album, \u201cMr. Money With the Vibe.\u201d The album debuted and peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard 200 chart, as well as Asake\u2019s second album \u201cWork of Art\u201d (2023). <\/p>\n The artist\u2019s third studio album \u201cLungu Boy,\u201d released in 2024, became his third consecutive No. 1 album in Nigeria, and landed at 115 on the Billboard 200. Asake\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n