Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake issued an emotional statement via his Instagram Story on Monday, December 22, expressing profound devastation following the tragic death of a young woman at his concert. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 20, at Nairobi, Kenya’s Nyayo Stadium, where a crowd crush resulted in the fatality. Asake conveyed his heartbreak over the turn of events at a show he intended to spread joy through music.

“I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec. 20th in Nairobi,” Asake wrote. He extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, identified as Karen Lojore, and pledged his full support in understanding the circumstances. The artist emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “Those responsible should be held accountable.” He further added, “Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss. My thoughts are with everyone grieving, and I pray that Karen rests in peace. God bless Kenya.”

At the time of his statement, the exact cause of Lojore’s death remained unclear. However, reports from the BBC indicated that Lojore was reportedly caught in one of the long lines near a stadium gate, where fans faced significant delays entering the venue due to heavy rain. A spokesperson for Kenya’s National Police Service confirmed the incident, stating, “During a musical concert for Nyayo National Stadium, there was a brief stampede at the entrance gate. While the situation later calmed down and fans were able to access the stadium with the concert progressing, an unfortunate case of a 20-year-old woman who was pressed to death near the entry point was recorded.”

The concert promoter, Tukutane, also released a statement, expressing deep sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic incident occurred during our December 20th concert, resulting in the loss of life. Our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. We extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.” The promoter assured that the safety and well-being of attendees are paramount and confirmed full cooperation with emergency services and authorities in their ongoing investigation. Out of respect for the family and the investigation, Tukutane stated they would not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident. The tragic event has since sparked critical discussions regarding crowd control and safety measures at large-scale entertainment events.