Nigerian reggae musician Majek Fashek has died at the age of 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 has been ill for some time but the cause of his death is not clear.
Majek, who toured the world with the sound of African reggae with hits such as the ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ and ‘Send Down the Rain’, died in New York, Omenka Uzoma, who has served as his manager and publicist for about seven years, said Tuesday morning. His age was not immediately clear.
“The legend has gone to meet with the Lord,” Mr Uzoma said in a video uploaded by HipTV. “We should all celebrate him — his achievement.”
Mr Uzoma did not immediately disclose the cause of death, which could be deliberate considering his past refusal to disclose the nature of the artist’s illness.
Majek’s 1988 album ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ and the single ‘Send Down the Rain’ became a major hit worldwide and garnered multiple awards, including Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria’s album of the year in 1989.
It was followed by ‘So Long for Too Long’ in 1991, which incorporated haunting vocals with the artist’s captivating rhythm.
