*Dagrin

By John Abayomi, Deputy Online Editor

Popular Nigerian hip-hop star Dagrin , born Olayitan Olanipekun Oladapo, is dead. The rising act who has been dubbed Nigeria’s 50Cents  died from complications arising from injuries he sustained  in a ghastly motor accident last week  Wednesday when he ran into a stationary truck around 3am at Mushin in Lagos.  Sources say he  died yesterday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

The singer of Pon Pon Pon hit single, already getting massive airplay, last known stage appearance was at the Kennis Easter Music fiesta in Lagos where he had an outstanding performance.

According to an earlier Vanguard report: ” After surviving a terrible accident involving a truck  last week  Wednesday, which left him unconscious, rapper Da Grin has been hospitalised and operated upon at a Lagos hospital. According to on-line entertainment journal, netng.com, a source close to the rapper who claimed to have been in the car at the time of the accident had initially said there was only a brief argument after a truck driver lost control and damaged the fender of Dagrin’s Nissan Maxima. However, other inside sources have squealed on the gravity of the accident and its aftermath on the rapper.

Dagrin

The report said that Dagrin was  in a very bad shape; in critical condition with doctors working round the clock to save his life”, said the source as at press time, last  Thursday.

He was operated upon at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital  (last Week Wednesday).

He was said to have been returning home from an assignment, and he had called home severally to tell them not to lock the gate; that he was coming home.

The manager and close family sources allegedly confirmed to NET that the rapper was left unconscious after running into the truck, and was left hanging between life and death before he was rescued by policemen on patrol.

The policemen reportedly called his manager after finding his number on Dagrin’s ‘last dialled’ list. He was initially taken to Tai Solarin private hospital in Mushin, before his minders moved him to LUTH.

The rapper is believed to have sustained numerous injuries, especially in the chest, jaws and head.

His manager confirmed he had an operation same day at LUTH and has been under intensive care.

The doctors say he’s improving but they have to keep him in ICU until his condition stabilises.

Dagrin's second album: CEO - Chief Executive Omoita... with several hits Gboro, Pon Pon Pon, Thank God

He hasn’t been able to open his eyes or speak since yesterday(last week thursday). I believe they’ll move him from ICU to the ward once he comes round’, his manager was quoted to have said.

However, Dagrin could not make it as  reports yesterday comfirmed that  the rapper  has passed on.

The youngman will be remembered for his swagger, creative rap style,  grass to grace back street tales,  indigenous  lyrics laced with humour on rich dance-able beats.

As at press time over 700 fans have written their condolences while some, in disbelief, still wish the lyricist a  quick recovery on  his Facebook wall . A few excerpts:

Eugene Ronny: “Dagrin where are you? Please come out and  tell the world that you are not dead.”

Bhellow Harrordhale: “RIP Da’grin”

Michael Rooney: ” You will be healed, also I’ll pray for you”

Femi Daniel: “IT’S A LIE”

Emmanule Kingsley Oprah:” Dagrin, as long as the Lord liveth… you shall live to sing more songs —-of praise..”

Hodun Olagokun: “Orun ree oo Akogun, omo naija… miss u die– Rest in peace”

Amodu Iyanda: “Why Dagrin?”

DaBishop Dread: “Too early, God!!!”

Opeyemi Oluwatibi, “Olaitan Oladepo….It’s painful”

Aruma Cole:” Rest in peace bro… I will miss you  more than my wife in dis life bro”

Dagrin’s Biography

Dagrin, real name Olayitan Olanipekun Oladapo  hailed  from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended Good Shepherd Nursery and Primary School and  Egbado College.

He released his first but little known album  under Leo Entertainment  about 3years ago before his current album, CEO on his own label, MOSOFUNYIN Entertainment that has been generally acknowledged as successful.

Before his death, he had become  the most sought out lyricist for collabos by both old and upcoming artists. There are a few collabos to his credit – with  Dark Poet, So Sick, T Frizzle, Omawumi, Lala, Bigiano, Owen Gee, YQ, Kenny St. Brown,  9ice, Teeblaq, General Pype  and many others.