The world woke up to the news of the death of the popular reggae singer, songwriter and actor Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, who passed on Monday, June 1 in a New York hospital at age 57.

Just as the news of the death of the Rainmaker broke this morning, the rains came down.

That, perhaps, is a pointer to the spirituality of the life of Majekodunmi Fasheke popularly known as Majek Fashek.

Majek was fondly referred to as the Rainmaker, a fall out of the popularity of his 1988 smash hit album Prisoner of Conscience which included the multiple award-wining single, Send Down The Rain.

The death of the reggae idol was announced by Artiste Manager Joy Tongo, on her Instagram page. She wrote:

Legendary musician, Mr. Majek Fashek, my uncle, passed on today in New York City. Majek Fashek was a talented man from Benin City, Edo State. RIP.

Former President, Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Dr Omatsola Iseli popularly known as Tee Mac further told Maggies Blog this morning:

Yes, my friend Majek has joined the other greats in heaven. His manager confirmed on his Instagram page. Rest in perfect peace!

Fashek was married to Rita Fashek who inspired the song Without You; the couple had four children together, but have since divorced.

In 2015, it was revealed that Fashek was bankrupt and battling drug addiction. After admitting that he needed help, he was admitted into a drug rehabilitation centre in Abuja, but has since recovered, and returned to music.

Besides his struggle with drug addiction, other health conditions required his hospitalisation on several occasions.

He was rumored dead in September 2019 but his manager quelled the rumours, confirming that Majek had indeed been critically ill, hospitalised at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, England, and in dire need of financial assistance.

Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola had pledged to cover all the singer's medical expenses and personally visit the reggae star on hospital bed where he (Otedola) picked the bills as promised.

But he died after battling an unknown illness.

Majek can be remembered for his prophetic lyrics like,

Arise from your sleep, Africa. There's still work to be done...

His words and songs live on.

Rest on.

PMAN'S TRIBUTE TO MAJEK FASHEK

The dark clouds filled the skies, heavy Rainfall mixed with torrents of wind signaled the exit of our beloved Musical Maestro, the Rainmaker, MAJEKODUNMI FASHEKE popularly known as MAJEK FASHEK. A legend has fallen!

The Global Music Industry has suffered a terrible loss, a music genius; MAJEK FASHEK, who rose to global stardom early in his career and made Nigeria proud.

MAJEK will always be remembered for his exceptional and original body of musical works in his repertoire.

Rest on, MAJEK, Rest on, till we meet again. Old friend, rest on with the fallen Legends;

PMAN will always remember you

Pretty Okafor

PMAN President