Asake has reacted publicly following the death of a fan during his concert at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, Dec. 20, an incident that has cast a heavy shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory night. The fan has been identified as Karen Lojore, whose death occurred after a medical emergency amid severe crowd congestion at the venue.
What Happened at Nyayo Stadium
According to Kenyan authorities and eyewitness accounts, the situation inside the stadium became overwhelming as large numbers of attendees attempted to access the venue. Police later confirmed that the incident was serious, though they were able to prevent further loss of life by controlling the crowds.
A Kenyan police official told the BBC that crowd management at the venue appeared inadequate, adding that investigations would determine exactly what went wrong. The official noted that such investigations are typically concluded within weeks and are aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Journalist Immanuel Ndungu, who attended the concert, also spoke out on Instagram, pointing to challenges at the stadium entrances and issues with how people were allowed into the venue, raising further questions about crowd control on the night.
Asake’s Statement and Condolences
In a statement released after the incident, Asake expressed deep grief over the loss of Karen Lojore.
“My heart goes out to the family, friends and loved ones of Karen Lojore,” he said, pledging his support for efforts to “understand what happened.”
The singer also reflected on the emotional weight of the situation, adding:
“Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss.”
Asake went further to call for accountability, stating clearly that “those responsible should be held accountable.”
Family’s Reaction and Calls for Answers
Following the incident, a woman believed to be Ms Lojore’s mother posted a message on social media, tagging both the concert organisers and Asake.
“What happened to my child? Why her? I want justice for my child,” she wrote, a post that quickly circulated online and intensified calls for transparency.
Organisers and Authorities Respond
The concert was organised by Tukutane Entertainment, who confirmed they are working closely with authorities to establish what led to the tragedy. In a statement, the organisers said they were cooperating fully to “understand what happened.”
Tukutane Entertainment has previously organised major concerts featuring artists such as Tems, Rema, and Sauti Sol, making the incident particularly significant for Kenya’s live music scene.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Context
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into crowd management and venue safety are ongoing. While no final conclusions have been released, the incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of how large-scale concerts are planned and managed.
The tragedy has also drawn comparisons to previous crowd-related incidents at major music events, projecting the urgency of clear safety planning as Afrobeats concerts continue to attract massive audiences across Africa and beyond.
Closing Note
For Asake, the night in Nairobi has become a moment marked by loss rather than applause. As investigations continue and questions remain, the focus now rests on accountability, clarity, and the memory of a fan whose life ended at a place meant for joy.
