Mish, the popular Akwa Ibom Ayaya crooner, has died. A family member confirmed Mish’s passing in Abuja on Thursday. However, the cause of death has not yet been made public.
The Nigerian singer who originally hails from Obot Okoh Mbiaobong in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was formally known as Michael Aniekeme Meshach.
Mish rose to fame in 2011 with his hit song “Akwa Ibom Ayaya,” which resonated with his Ibibio and Efik ethnic group members in Nigeria and abroad. The single’s viral success was rumored to have earned praise and rewards from Godswill Akpabio, the then-governor of Akwa Ibom State and current Senate President. However, little was heard from the singer following the popularity of “Akwa Ibom Ayaya.”
He had also performed at various events and festivals, such as the Calabar Carnival, the Akwa Ibom Festival, and the African Music Festival.
In 2017, Mish’s album “Made In Nigeria” didn’t grab public attention, leaving him struggling to top the success of “Akwa Ibom Ayaya.” Once seen as a singer merging African and Western sounds, doubts arose about his ability to create another hit.