Popular singer, Lanre Fasasi, aka Sound Sultan, is reportedly dead after battling cancer of the throat.
His death was confirmed in a statement issued by a family member, Dr. Kayode Fasasi on Sunday.
“It is with heavy heart that we announce the death of multi-talented veteran singer, rapper, songwriter, Olarenwaju Fasasi aka Sound Sultan.
“He passed away at the age of 44, following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma.
“He is survived by his wife, three children and his siblings.
“We, his family will appreciate utmost privacy as we come to grips with this tragic loss,” the Dailypost quoted the statement.
Fasasi, born on November 27, 1976, was a rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, comedian and recording artiste. He was regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria.
Sultan’s career in show business started in the 1990s, when he hosted shows to raise money for studio sessions.
By 1999, he had won numerous local talent-hunt shows. He released his first single ‘Jagbajantis’ in 2000, which was a hit in Nigeria. After independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artistes, he was signed by Kennis Music.
Under Kennis Music, he released four albums. By 2007, his contract with the label expired and he partnered with Baba Dee to start Naija Ninjas, a parent organisation for a record label, production outfit and clothing line. After starting as a rapper, he has worked in different musical genres from R&B to Afrobeat, soul and Nigerian Fuji music. He had said that artistes shouldn’t be judged on the genre in which they perform, that the important thing is the message conveyed in the music. His death has come as a shock to many Nigerians.