THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Nigerian singing legend Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi, more famously known as Sound Sultan, has died.
The rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, comedian and recording artist, who is regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria, died on Sunday, 11 July in the US of throat cancer. He was 44.
Tributes continue to be paid to the artist.
German-Nigerian artist Ade Bantu described Sound Sultan’s death as “a monumental loss for the Nigerian music industry”.
“We have lost an exceptionally gifted and conscious artist who put in his heart, soul and music to the upliftment of his people,” he added. “It was always a joy working him in the studio his creativity knew no boundaries, his stage craft was impeccable. Sound Sultan’s calm demeanor and easy going down to earth persona would always put everyone around him at ease. He was a brother’s brother,” Ade Bantu said in a tribute published on his Facebook page.
Speaking on behalf of Afrima, the president and executive producer, Mike Dada, noted: “It is said that the circle of life is completed in death, but it says nothing about the grief that comes with the finality of it. Sound Sultan was a pioneer of contemporary African music and we are completely devastated at this loss.”
Beyond his roles as a brilliant performer and entertainer, Sound Sultan was dedicated to collaborations among African artists to promote African entertainment and unity as this was reflected in the monumental role he played as the coordinator for the Afrima Festival Studio; where the artists from around the continent would come to collaborate during the Afrima weekend in 2017 and 2018.
“On this day, we remember his kindness, humility, simplicity, dedication, contributions, and zeal for music and the way it manifested in his sound. We remember his grace, positivity, joy and how it always spread to those around him,” said Afrima in a statement.
“On behalf of Afrima in partnership with the African Union Commission and the rest of Africa, we celebrate the life of a legend that left too soon. We also send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi. Your legacy and impact will continue to live on in our hearts,” concluded the organisation.
Kola Tella
