Reggae Legend Majek Fashek Dies at 57
The
performer, popular for hits such as Send Down the Rain and So Long for Too
Long, died in his sleep in New York, his manager Omenka Uzoma told the BBC.
Writing
on Instagram, Mr Uzoma said it was "a time for us all to celebrate his
achievements, and not mourn".
The
musician, whose real name was Majekodunmi Fasheke, also worked with stars like
Jimmy Cliff, Tracy Chapman and Snoop Dogg.
"He's
done a lot for Nigeria and Africa," his manager said.
Majek
Fashek had been ill for some time but the cause of his death is not clear.
He was drawn to
reggae in the 1980s at a point when highlife and juju were more dominant in
Nigeria.
The
artist said Bob Marley was a major influence as a consequence his musical style
and looks mirrored the Jamaican legend.
His 1991 release So
Long for Too Long, which carried a strong political and pan-African message
gained Majek Fashek acclaim across Africa.
The
song was a call for Africans to rise up, both in the continent and those in the
diaspora.
He
also wrote the song Free Africa, Free Mandela, calling for the release of the
leader of the African National Congress in South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
As
a sign of his international reach, he appeared in 1992 on the high-profile
David Letterman chat show on US television, where he sang So Long for Too Long.
In
the mid 2000s there were reports that the musician was struggling with his
health.
Pictures
of an emaciated Majek Fashek shocked Nigerians who were concerned about the
star.
In
2015, he spent some time in a drug rehabilitation centre in Nigeria's capital,
Abuja.
Here is a part of
this song So Long Too Long:
Arise
from your sleep Africa
Arise
from your sleep America
There's
work to be done Africa
Remember, remember, Marcus Garvey
Who
had a dream for you Africa
Remember,
remember, Martin Luther King
Who
had a dream for you America
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