The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the death of a popular musician, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, saying the singer will be remembered for his unusual talent.

Majek Fashek died on June 1, 2020, in New York, USA at the age of 57.

Majek Fashek’s manager, Uzoma Omenka, who confirmed the death in a video uploaded on the late singer’s Instagram handle, urged Nigerians to celebrate his life and achievement.

One of his most popular songs was ‘Send Down the Rain.’ Urban legend has it that whenever the reggae singer performed the song, it always rained.

His repertoire contains albums such as ‘Prisoner of Conscience’, ‘I & I Experience’, ‘So Long, Too Long’ and ‘American Invasion’.

Obaseki in a statement on Tuesday described the late singer as one of Edo State’s finest cultural ambassadors, who through his soulful music cultivated fans across the world and brought global acclaim to his name and birthplace.

Obaseki said,

Fashek, who took the world by storm with his enigmatic talent, remains one of the finest cultural icons of his age and would be remembered for his disarming craft and skill. Majek Fashek was born by an Edo mother, grew up in Benin City and stood as a shining light for youths in the state to emulate.

Also, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, in a statement by its President, Pretty Okafor, said,

The dark clouds filled the skies. Heavy rainfall mixed with torrents of wind signaled the exit of our beloved musical maestro, the ‘Rainmaker’. A legend has fallen.

Rest on Majek. Till we meet again old friend. Rest on with the fallen legends. PMAN will always remember you.

The chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria, Tony Okoroji, also said that flags were flown at half mast at the organisation’s office.

Describing the late Fashek as a friend, Okoroji said their relationship went beyond the music industry.

Everyone knows that Majek Fashek was not just my colleague; he was my friend. He stood by my side and supported me totally over many years. He has immortalised himself through his unforgettable songs and lyrics,

he added.

A former president of PMAN, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy,said,

Majek was like a younger brother to me and he started with me in the village. Many people don’t know this but it was actually my father, the late Justice Oputa, that brought Majek to me.

However, Charly Boy also noted that considering his outstanding talent, Fashek did not live up to his true potential.

He said,

He didn’t live up this true potential because some people cannot handle fame.

The Nigerian Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), described the music legend as a gifted musician, “whose kind we may never see again.”

Several Nigerian entertainers, including Salawa Abeni, Phyno, Sound Sultan, Yomi Blaq, Joe Okoye and Toyin Adegbola, have also taken to their social media pages to pay tribute to the late singer.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.