Tanzanian artist Nezo B killed

Nezo B is reported to have died in his hometown Arusha on 20 June after he was stabbed by a neighbour over an alleged disagreement regarding the payment of an electricity bill.

According to local media, the artist was killed for failure to pay for electricity as per an agreement he had entered into with his neighbour, Blandina Fredrick, which entailed taking turns to settle the bill.

Witnesses said an argument over the matter ensued on Tuesday about 1.30pm and quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with Fredrick allegedly stabbing the 32-year-old singer several times.

Black Market Records, the label Nezo B signed to in 2021, has issued a statement, saying it commiserates with his family.

Born Eric Adamu, Nezo B was a multi-talented artist behind a number of songs such as ‘Kosa Langu’, ‘Nimo’, ‘Yaga Yaga’, ‘Ofa Zingine’, ‘Bata’ and ‘Mpunguze’, among others.

“At the time of his death, Nezo B had released his debut album dubbed My Last Warrior, and was back in the studio working on new music projects,” Black Market Records said.

Nezo B started his career in 2012 as a hip hop artist before switching to Afropop and was starting to build a fanbase across East Africa. Tanzanian artists he worked with include Tunda Man, PNC, Maalim Nash and Rasco Sembo.

His death has left fans, fellow artists and industry professionals devastated, with many taking to social media to share their grief and send condolences.