The Afrobeat family in Nigeria is mourning the loss of Abdul Okwechime, a culture journalist, broadcaster, documentarian and a member of the planning committee for Felabration. He died on Friday April 19.
In a social media message to announce this sad incident, the media personality and daughter of Fela, the late Afrobeat legend, Yeni Kuti extolled the good deeds of the late journalist.
“Our dear brother, friend, passed away yesterday. He will be remembered fondly by us all. We are so sad that you have passed to the other realm but are left with fond memories of you. How you made us laugh, especially during Felabration when everyone was tense. A repository of knowledge on Fela, he knew all the answers. He will be sorely missed.”
Okwechime lived a private life but was one of the most sought-after culture journalists of his generation. As a young journalist, he lived in Kalakuta Republic, Fela’s commune in Ikeja and was one of the few Nigerian print journalists who secured an exclusive full-length with Fela Anikulapo Kuti in the early 80s.
He is survived by wife and children.