West Africa mourns radio host Dr Cann and gospel musician Prince Chinedu Nwadike

The news of Nwadike’s death, which comes days after he underwent a kidney transplant, was confirmed by local media. His friend, Darlington Chidera Ibekwe, said the artist succumbed to leukaemia. 

“He lost the blood cancer battle a few hours ago in Abuja,” he said on Sunday. “When I spoke to him over the phone last week, he told me he had fully recovered from the kidney issue and would be proceeding to India by this coming week for treatment of the leukemia.”

Nwadike primarily sang in Igbo and was known for songs such as ‘God of Vengeance’. He was also a successful actor, starring in a number of local films including Runaway Prince and Divine Sisters.

Before his death, Nwadike was also involved in politics, serving on the Imo State Pilgrim Board, and was a special assistant for mobilisation to former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha.

In Ghana on Friday, the local entertainment industry was hit by the death of veteran radio host Dr Cann. A statement by Global Media Alliance Broadcasting confirmed that the Happy FM presenter, born Francis Ebo Cann, died after a short illness.

Prior to joining Happy FM, Dr Cann worked with Radio Winaby in Cape Coast, GBC Radio in Accra and Sunrise FM in Koforidua. Over his lengthy career, the broadcaster was lauded for his affable personality and impartial take on issues affecting the Ghanaian showbiz space. He was also credited with promoting emerging musicians in his country. 

In March last year, Happy FM lost another presenter, DJ Advicer, who also died after a short, unspecified illness.