Breaking: Reggae Music Icon Majek Fashek is Dead

2 Jun 2020

Hi Folks,

With a heavy heart, I bring the news of the death of one of Africa’s best Reggae music icons, Majek Fashek.

Majek, who was undoubtedly one of Africa’s best had been battling with his health for a long time was said to have died in the United States on Monday June 1.

Born Majekodunmi Fasheke, the artiste was renowned for hits such as ‘Send Down the Rain’ and ‘So Long Too Long’. He performed the latter on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’.

The late Majek Fashek

Fashek began his music career in the 80s when he was a member of the Jastix group. He was known then as Rajesh Kanal. The group was best known as the in-house band on the show ‘Music Panorama’ on NTA Benin, and toured with fellow reggae group The Mandators.

Fashek’s fame peaked in 1988 when he released the album ‘Prisoner of Conscience’. The album was followed with six PMAN awards including ‘Song of the Year’ for the song ‘Send Down the Rain’.

Unlike musicians of his time who were drawn to indigenous hybrids such as Juju and Fuji, Fashek was recognized as one of the original Nigerian artists to be drawn to the music of the Caribbean, specifically reggae.

In 2019, the rumor of Fashek’s death broke. His manager however, quelled the rumors and confirming his critical state of health.

Majek was 71. May his soul rest in peace.

Yours,

Ilupeju B