Covid-19: Popular Nigerian born British rapper dies of coronavirus

A Nigerian born British Rapper, Ty is dead at the age of 47 due to “complications” from coronavirus, his team reportedly confirmed on Thursday.

Ben “Ty” Chijioke was fighting for his life in a medically-induced coma after he tested positive for COVID-19, according to The Daily Mail.

A fundraiser for the critically acclaimed UK hip-hop star was launched in early April.

According to the page, the music star 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.”

The star was then placed into a medically-induced coma, and later put on a ventilator, but was moved out of intensive care after his condition improved.

In the fundraisers’ last post on April 19, friend Diane Laidlow said: ‘Hey guys. Just to update you that TY is now out of the intensive care unit and is on a normal ward. He is doing much better. Super excited.’

‘I closed the page a few days ago but several people contacted me because they wanted to donate so I opened it again for a few days.’ 

Ty first shot to prominence in 2001 with his The Awkward, and his second album Upwards was nominated for The Mercury Prize in 2004. 

He went onto release three more albums with his last being A Work Of Heart in 2018.

Last year Ty also formed a supergroup called Kingdem featuring rappers Blak Twang and Rodney P. 

The rap superstar also collaborated with artists including Soweto Kinch, De La Soul and Roots Manuva. 

Since Ty’s passing many stars have paid tribute on social media, with Roots Manuva writing: ‘Rest my Brother. You did good.’

Blak Twang posted: ‘KING ”BENEDICT OBIOMA GODWIN EVERY LITTLE STEP IS A SOVEREIGN” Forever in my heart bro… Rest well my guy… we were blessed with your greatness.’  

Ghetts simply posted: ‘Ty fly high my brother,’ while  Roots Manuva posted: ‘Rest my brother. You did good.’