Nigerian-British rapper, Ben Chijioke, popularly known as Ty, has died following a battle with the coronavirus.
The 47-year-old had been in the hospital where he was put in a medically-induced coma to help him receive treatment.
A fundraising page set up in March by his friend, Diane Laidlaw, was last updated on April 19 as it was thought that the Mercury Prize-nominated rapper was out of danger after leaving the Intensive Care Unit.
Her last post on the page reads, ”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. We have officially closed it now. Thank you, guys.”
Across social media, tributes have poured in for the ‘Wait a Minute’ singer from fellow singers and fans.
Singer, Getts wrote on Instagram, “RIP TY, this one’s deep I had a lot of respect for Ty. One of the first from the older generation to embrace me and show me love fly high Ty.”
While Akala, tweeted, ”@tymusic we gonna miss you big bro. Love.”
Ty, who was born in the United Kindom to Nigerian parents in 1972, released his debut album, The Awkward in 2001.
His sophomore album, Upwards, was nominated for the Mercury Prize alongside Amy Winehouse and The Streets.
