DJ Arafat
Tributes are pouring in following the demise of the talented Ivorian DJ and musician, DJ Arafat.
The ‘Moto, Moto’ hitmaker, born Ange Didier Huon, reportedly was riding a motorbike when he rammed into a vehicle on Sunday morning.
He was rushed to an Abidjan hospital in critical condition where he died early hours on Monday.
DJ Arafat, who has over 20 hit songs and 11 albums to his credit, died at the age of 33.
He was named best artiste of the year at the Ivorian Coupe-Decale Awards in 2016 and 2017.
His most recent hit, ‘Moto Moto’, released in May, has more than four million YouTube views.
Since the news of his passing went viral, a number of Ghanaian celebrities, DJs and radio presenters such as Mercury Quaye, Papa Bills, Root Eye, Lexis Bill, Majid Michel, Asamoah Gyan, DJ Vyrusky, Bisa Kidei and others who knew him have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.
According to them, they have lost a colleague who had entertained music fans on the continent all his life with his music and exceptional singing and dancing skills.
The organiser of the Ghana DJ Awards, Merqury Quaye, told BEATWAVES yesterday that DJ Arafat was one of the greatest musicians who made an impact on the world music scene with his music and stagecraft.
“DJ Arafat played a huge role in making francophone music attractive in Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries. He was a legend of Ivorian music. The West Africa music industry has lost a great performing musician. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Kwasi Nyarko-Ofei, popularly known as Root Eye, also radio and television host, revealed that DJ Arafat was a great entertainer, adding that “it’s sad he had to leave so early.”
He mentioned that Ivorian music fans will miss this great musician who is considered as their most recognised international artiste of all time.
The host of Drive Time programme on Joy FM, Lexis Bill, indicated that Africa has lost a talented musician and performer who was a role model to many fans.
“I was shocked when I heard that he had passed away. He was a role model to many of his fans. His legacy will forever live on and he will always be remembered for his contribution to the development and promotion of African music and culture,” he added.
The host of Efiada Mbosuo on Adom FM, Papa Bills, disclosed that DJ Arafat was a very good musician and DJ whose fame expanded to Europe and the United States of America (USA).
He praised him for his immense contribution to the music industry in La Côte d’Ivoire.
He mentioned that the deceased showed a great deal of interest in music and it was just a delight to watch him sing and perform live on stage.
“I still can’t believe DJ Arafat is gone. He will be sorely missed by his fans. May his soul in perfect rest,” Papa Bills said.
By George Clifford Owusu