Izuchukwu Okosi
Veteran pop Nigerian singer, Chris MBA who serenaded music lovers in the late 70s and early 80s has died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
The death of the ‘Baby Don’t Cry’ crooner was announced on Thursday by the General Manager of Premier Music, Michael Odiong through his Instagram handle.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOdiong however revealed that the singer who was popular in his hey days by his signature jerry curl hair-do died late Wednesday.
Odiong wrote on his Instagram page: “Premier Records expresses sadness on the death of one of its artistes, Chris Mba.
“Chris Mba was a bundle of talent who localised pop music by adding local instruments into his music to give the African feel.
“He made waves in the late 80s up to the 90s when he released hits like “Baby Don’t Cry”, “Money” etc.
“We condole with the family and pray God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss,” the Premier Music General Manager noted.
MBA joins a list of music artistes who the country had lost in recent years particularly in the last few months following the demise of gospel music star Sammie Okposo.
According to information available to Prime Business Africa, Mba died of health complications related to his heart.
Tony Okoroji, the Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) said of the demise of the musician.
“I am beyond sad at the loss of my colleague and friend, Chris Mba, a great musician, whose contribution to the repositioning of the Highlife sound is unquestionable.
“Not too long ago, I visited Chris at his Surulere home with the great Richard Cole, my colleague on the COSON Board.
“We went to share camaraderie with him upon his ill health and offer whatever support we could. His death is devastating, but we are consoled by the fact that as a great artiste, he left great recordings to which we continue to sing and dance.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and numerous fans”.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
