Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake has shared a heartfelt message following the tragic death of a young fan during his recent performance in Nairobi, Kenya. The incident occurred on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Nyayo National Stadium, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a night of music and celebration.
In an emotional letter posted to his Instagram Story on Monday, Dec. 22, the “Badman Gangsta” hitmaker expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Afrobeats Star Asake Mourns Fan’s Death After Tragic Crowd Crush at Nairobi Performance, pledging both support for the grieving family and cooperation in understanding how the tragedy unfolded.
“I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec. 20th in Nairobi,” Asake wrote. “My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Karen Lojore. I will do my best to understand what happened, and those responsible should be held accountable.” At the time of writing, the exact cause of her death had not been officially confirmed.
The artist went on to reflect on the emotional weight of the loss, adding that music has always been his way of spreading joy and connection. “It breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such pain at a place meant for love and happiness,” he shared. “My thoughts are with everyone mourning, and I pray that Karen rests in peace.”
According to reports from the BBC, the young woman was caught in a crowd crush near one of the stadium entrances. Fans had reportedly been delayed due to heavy rainfall, leading to long lines and congestion at the gates. A spokesperson for Kenya’s National Police Service confirmed that a brief stampede occurred, and while the situation was eventually brought under control, a 20-year-old woman was tragically pressed to death near the entry point.
The concert promoter, Tukutane, also released a statement acknowledging the loss and offering condolences. “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic incident occurred during our December 20th concert, resulting in the loss of life,” the organizers said. They emphasized that audience safety remains a top priority and confirmed full cooperation with emergency responders and authorities investigating the incident.
Out of respect for the victim’s family and the ongoing inquiry, Tukutane stated that they would not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
As fans and fellow artists continue to express grief online, the incident has reignited conversations about crowd safety and event management at large-scale concerts. What remains clear is that the loss has left a lasting impact on all involved, especially an artist who intended only to share music, joy, and unity with his audience.
