Nigerian music industry mourns Nomoreloss

Born Muyiwa Osinuga, he was initially a rapper. Later he became both a comedian and a musician. His early songs blended both parts of his artistry, which reached its commercial peak with the release of his remix of the Orlando Owoh highlife tune ‘Iyawo Olele’. He retitled his version ‘Iyawo Asiko’ and the song became his signature tune.

Known in the Nigerian music industry for his kindness, he spearheaded a fundraising campaign for a producer afflicted with a kidney disease.

News of his death, at first treated as a hoax, was confirmed by his manager, who declined to make further comments.

His colleagues in the Nigerian entertainment industry have expressed sadness at the loss, with one of his early collaborators Ruggedman writing a tribute. The two worked on the song ‘Ehen’ from Ruggedman’s debut album. “I appreciate every contribution you made to my career,” the rapper wrote. “God bless you bro, till we meet again. Who knows, we might finally get to do 'Ehen' part 2. God rest your soul.”

Weird MC, an important figure in Nigerian hip-hop, posted a response to the news on social media: “You were one in a million, a true soul, a thoroughbred. Thanks for being real, thanks for true friendship. Thanks for great music, thanks for co-writing ‘Happy Day’ with me. I guess heaven was missing an angel. Sail on my dear friend. Fly like an eagle. Rest well. I will miss you so so much… May God comfort your family.”

One of Nomoreloss’s last outings as a performer came at the August 2015 edition of the monthly Lagos concert Afropolitan Vibes. The concert organisers posted a tribute to the artist on social media: “We are so devastated to hear news that our friend Nomoreloss has passed away. He was such a talented and vibrant man and he was always the centre of attention as soon as he entered any room. Nomoreloss was always very supportive of the Afropolitan Vibes movement even before he performed on the show last year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

At the concert, Nomoreloss made jokes and talked about the loss of his mother, an incident that directly inspired at least one of his recent songs. He told Music In Africa at the time that he had just signed a deal with a foreign record label and expressed a renewed commitment to music. “It is no longer about the commercial aspect,” he said. “I want to do music because I want to do it. I have my market and I am free to be at my creative best. I will not compromise my standards.”