DJ Arafat, an Ivorian singer with a huge following in many parts of Africa, has died after a road accident in Abidjan, the state broadcaster RTI said on Monday. “Death of artist DJ Arafat… today at 8 am as a result of a road accident overnight,” it tweeted.
According to messages and pictures circulating on social media, he had been driving a motorbike and smashed into a car. Critically injured, he was taken to an Abidjan hospital, where he later died.
Born in Abidjan in 1986, DJ Arafat – real name Ange Didier Huon – was avidly followed in French-speaking western and central African countries. He recorded and released 11 albums, mainly of “coupe-decale” – a dance music form combining choppy rhythms with hip-hop-style vocals.
Ivorian Culture Minister Maurice Kouakou Bandaman expressed his condolences and said a tribute would be organised to honour the musician.