With the heavy downpour this morning, it is as though the heavens are paying tribute and ushering in the Rainmaker AKA Majek Fashek; as the Nigerian reggae legend died in New York on Monday.
Majekodunmi Fasheke, the reggae music icon better known as Majek Fashek, has died after battling an illness for a long time. The reggae legend succumbed to his infirmities yesterday while receiving treatment in the United States. He was 58 years old.
Making the announcement on Tuesday, his manager, Omenka Uzoma; on Instagram said, “It is true that the African number one legendary icon has gone to be with his maker.
“Let’s celebrate him, his achievement and his family, whatever decision made by his immediate family will be notified.”
Fashek began his music career in the 80s when he was a member of Jastix group. His moniker then was Rajesh Kanal. They received public acclaim as the in-house band on the show ‘Music Panorama’ on NTA Benin, and toured with fellow reggae group The Mandators.
Fashek was a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist popular for the 1988 album Prisoner of Conscience, which included the multiple award-winning single Send Down the Rain.
Unlike musicians of his time who created indigenous hybrids such as Juju and Fuji, Majek Fashek experimented the music of the Caribbean, specifically reggae; carving a more Nigerian sound from the music of descendants of Africans in the diaspora.
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Last year, rumours made the rounds that Fashek, who struggled with drug addiction, was dead. His manager quelled the rumours by confirming his critical health condition. Billionaire Femi Otedola and rapper Olamide pledged to cover his medical bills.
Also known as ‘The Rainmaker’, Fashek worked with various international artistes; including Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé.