Nigerian music star Asake has been left heartbroken after a tragic stampede at his concert in Nairobi, Kenya, resulted in the death of a fan and left several others injured.
Tragedy Strikes Asake's Nairobi Performance
The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, December 20, 2025, during the singer's highly anticipated performance in the Kenyan capital. According to reports from local media and eyewitness accounts, severe overcrowding and chaotic movement around the venue triggered panic, leading to a deadly crush.
In the aftermath, it was confirmed that several people sustained injuries and at least one attendee, identified as Karen Lojore, lost her life.
Asake's Heartfelt Response and Pledge
Deeply affected by the news, Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, took to his Instagram story to share a solemn statement. He expressed his devastation and extended his condolences to the bereaved.
"I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec 20th in Nairobi," the 'Lonely At The Top' crooner wrote. "My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Karen Lojore, and I pledge to support and do my best to understand what happened. Those responsible should be held accountable."
He emphasized that music has always been his medium for spreading positivity, making the loss of life at an event meant for joy particularly painful. "Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss," he added, concluding with prayers for Kenya and for Karen to rest in peace.
Renewed Focus on Concert Safety in Nigeria and Beyond
This tragedy in Nairobi has amplified serious concerns about crowd control and event safety, especially at concerts featuring A-list artists with massive fan followings. Attendees at the Nairobi show reported issues with congestion and poor access, describing moments of terror as the crowd surged.
This incident echoes a worrying trend observed in Nigeria during the current festive season, where several major concerts have been marred by similar logistical failures:
- At Fola's 'What a Feeling' concert in Lagos, fans faced severe overcrowding and organizational chaos, prompting the singer to issue a public apology on X (formerly Twitter).
- The BNXN Live in Concert event also faced significant backlash online due to access problems and poor crowd management. BNXN later apologized and refunded one fan ₦250,000.
These consecutive failures have sparked intense calls from the public and industry stakeholders for stricter safety measures and better planning at musical events across Nigeria and the wider region. The need for professional crowd management, adequate venue capacity limits, and clear emergency protocols has never been more urgent.
As the music community mourns the loss of Karen Lojore, Asake's pledge for support and accountability underscores a critical moment for reflection on prioritizing fan safety above all else.
