A Nigerian-British Rapper, Ben Chijioke, known as Ty, has died from COVID-19 complications at 47 years old.
A fundraiser that was launched in early April said the rapper was “admitted into the hospital with medical complications related to Covid-19. Shortly after, he was put in a medically induced coma to temporarily sedate to help his body receive the appropriate treatment”.
His condition improved, however, and he was moved out of intensive care in mid-April.
But in an update posted to his fundraising page, organiser Diane Laidlaw stated: “Ty’s condition had been improving but last week while on a normal ward he had contracted pneumonia which worsened his recovery and ultimately Ty’s body couldn’t fight back anymore … close friends, family and fans are devastated of his death.”
Ty released his debut album “The Awkward” in 2001.
His sophomore LP, Upwards, earned him a Mercury Prize nomination, where he faced the likes of Amy Winehouse, Snow Patrol, and winners Franz Ferdinand.
After the success of Upwards, Ty had several notable guests—including De La Soul, Taylor McFerrin, and Arrested Development’s Speech—on his 2006 record Closer.
Ty released his final solo album, A Work of Heart, in March 2018.
And, last year, Ty had formed a supergroup called KingDem with fellow UK rappers Rodney P and Blak Twang.
