Ivorian Singer, DJ Arafat Dies In A Road Accident

Immediate report reaching our camp has it that leading Ivorian singer has died after a road accident in Abidjan, the state broadcaster RTI said.

According to messages and pictures circulating on social media, the singer with a huge following in francophone Africa, had been driving a motorbike and smashed into a car. Critically injured, he was taken to an Abidjan hospital, where he was reported dead.

?? #DJArafat, le "Zeus d'#Afrique", est mort des suites de ses blessures après un accident de la route à #Abidjan.

Nous recevions la star du coupé-décalé dans le @JTAfrique en 2014 à l'occasion de son premier concert à #Paris ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/eAC4lnUTm8

— FRANCE 24 Français (@France24_fr) August 12, 2019

Born in Abidjan in 1986, DJ Arafat — real name Ange Didier Huon — was avidly followed in French-speaking western and central African countries.

He issued 11 albums, mainly of “coupe-decale” — a dance music form combining choppy rhythms with hip-hop-style vocals.

Ivorian Culture Minister Maurice Kouakou Bandaman expressed his condolences and said a tribute would be organised to honour the musician.

Below is his song together with Nigerian musician, J.Martins;