"We are all in shock," Ickx Fontaine, an Ivorian producer
and specialist in hip-hop told the AFP news agency.
"He was a real singer and a drummer ... he gave a new breath of
life to coupe-decale."
"He had a natural charisma," said Ozone, a hip hop producer
and television host. "He will remain a force for Ivorian and African
music."
Around 1,000 fans gathered yesterday afternoon in front of the
hospital in Abidjan's Cocody suburb where Arafat died, weeping and chanting,
"Arafat cannot die."
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara offered a tribute to the late DJ
on Facebook. “It is with great sadness that I learned of the premature
passing of Houon Ange Didier ‘DJ Arafat’ Youth Icon and ambassador for Ivorian
music and culture. I extend my sincere condolences to his mother, his children,
his biological and artistic families as well as to all his fans. My prayers are
with them during this painful ordeal,” wrote Ouattara on Facebook.
DJ Arafat, born Ange Didier Houon, was named best artist of the year
at the Coupé-Decalé Awards in 2016
and 2017. Arafat was born in Abidjan in 1986, into the music world. His mother,
Tina Glamour, is a well-known singer and his late father Houon Pierre, a
musician as well, and sound engineer. In his lifetime, DJ Arafat released
eleven albums.
Arafat was also reputed for his love for
motorcycles. His most recent hit, Moto Moto, released in May - which has more
than four million YouTube views, feature motorcycles. DJ Arafat was one of the
first Ivorian musicians to have hit one million YouTube views in less than a
day, a feat he achieved with Moto Moto.
He leaves behind five kids - Mael Houon, Ezekiel Houon, Lachoina Houon, Owen Houon and Rafna Houon; and a wife - Carmen, popularly known as Ladykee.
He leaves behind five kids - Mael Houon, Ezekiel Houon, Lachoina Houon, Owen Houon and Rafna Houon; and a wife - Carmen, popularly known as Ladykee.
Comments
Post a Comment