How Kefee’s death tore Timaya, K-Solo apart

While the Nigerian entertainment community, friends, associates and family mourned the recent demise of the ‘Branama Queen,’ Kefee (born Irikefe Obareki), a silent war was ignited between rave singer, Timaya and prolific music producer and performing artiste, K-Solo over the singer’s death.
It all began shortly after the news of Kefee’s death spread like a wild fire and as expected, this was instantly followed by a mourning period for everyone who had ever come across her in person or through her music.
Given their status as celebrity artistes, a good number of her colleagues in the music industry had their reactions to her death trending across social media platforms.

The artiste on her hit single, ‘Kokoroko,’ Timaya spared no time in reacting to the shocking demise of the singer. Timaya had gone online to state how much he would miss Kefee and how sad it was to lose her to the cold embrace of death.

Timaya described Kefee as a friend, a sister, a colleague and a strong woman and noted that her working with her on the song ‘Kokoroko’ was a blessing. “We will miss her so much,” he said.

What struck many as surprising was K-Solo’s reaction to what Timaya had said.

K-Solo openly submitted that Timaya was not in a position to send out such an emotional message and lashed out at him by asking where he (Timaya) was when Kefee marked her birthday. He accused Timaya of not using her picture on his Instagram page, Blackberry messenger or anywhere visible.

Things went from bad to worse when K-Solo described Timaya’s message as being hypocritical by describing her as a sister and great colleague after her demise.

“When she was alive, did you upload her picture on Instagram or mention her on your Blackberry Messenger (BBM) status update or display picture? Now that she is gone, you upload her picture on Instagram saying RIP. Worldly people – Do you consider yourself a true friend or business friend? Did you wish her a Happy Birthday on Instgram? I don’t have any issue with you brother but let’s speak the truth for once. When she was alive, did you have her picture on your Instagram or even on your phone? I’m not judging you though...”

In his reaction to this, Timaya said, “Boys tell stories about men, but men tell stories about their success. Keep talking while I am working...”

How far this will stretch remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, in his reaction to Kefee’s death, K-Solo said, “Kefee was a wonderful singer. I produced her Kokoroko song. I will miss her so much. Whenever she sings, the vocal just drops and she can’t even phantom how great her voice dexterity was. I can’t hold back these tears. I used to call her Irekef.”

Prior to her death, celebrities within and outside Nigeria as well as other prominent personalities had reached out to the Kefee with prayers and also urged Nigerians and well wishers around the world to remember her in prayers.

Some of those who had sent out such prayers and requests include her husband, Teddy Don-Momoh, Weird MC, Timi Dakolo, Eva Alordiah, Dele Momodu, Maheeda, Susan Peters, DJ Lambogini, Waje, Ruggedman, Omawumi, Don Pedro Okojie, Dayo Amusa, Charles Novia, Becca, Darey, Yung6ix, Jaywon, Toni Payne, Sammie Okposo, Nikki Laoye, Buchi, Jahdiel, Linda Ikeji, Alec Godwin, Toyin Ibitoye, Ayo Shonaiya, Mercy Johnson, Sasha and Funke Akindele.

Kefee’s death brings to mind the sad passing of Nigerian singer, Goldie who died on Valentine’s Day in 2013 after collapsing. The late music star slumped shortly after arriving from Los Angeles, US where she attended the 55th Grammy Awards ceremony. The cause of her death was initially uncertain before autopsy reports revealed that the late pop singer died from complications of hypertension.

The industry also suffered another loss in 2014 when budding female singer, Zara Gretti passed on March 28 due to complications from Multiple sclerosis.

Kefee was been married twice. In 2004, she married her record label boss and mentor Alec Godwin, before divorcing him and marrying ace radio presenter, Teddy in 2012.

Aside music, Kefee is genuine a lover of foods and owned a restaurant called ‘Branama Kitchen’ in Lagos.
In an emotion laden voice, EME act, Skales said, “I still don’t understand why such things happen to good people. She was too good to me. I am grateful for all she did for me. God knows best. May her soul rest in peace.”

Legendary highlife king, Sunny Neji described her death as painful and couldn’t conceal his shock. “This is a huge loss in the music industry. For a young and vibrant artiste like Kefee to die just like that is really painful. In fact, I am still in a shock.”

Also commenting on Kefee’s demise, Nigerian singer and compere, Alariwo of Africa described it as “really shocking, disappointing and devastating. When I heard about Kefee’s death..., I was in a shock for about four hours. This is because it is a big blow to the industry for a lively and vibrant singer like Kefee to be lost to death.”

One artiste who was really touched by Kefee’s exit was African China and he shared some of his moments with her. “Honestly, it’s a sad one because she was more than a friend to me. I could remember the last time I visited her restaurant located in Maryland, Lagos, to eat starch and banga soup. After having a good meal, I posed for shots with her. I was surprised to hear that she is dead. We even talked about doing collaboration soon. It’s really sad because I had a mission yet to be accomplished with her.”

On her Instagram page, singer and brand ambassador, Sasha P said, “Now you are looking at heaven…..Teach us Lord to number our days. Rest In Peace Kefee, God knows best.”

Female singer, Lami Philips also expressed her grief when she said, “I don’t understand why this has to happen. May God keep grant her eternal rest, and comfort those she left behind.”



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By: SAMOD BIOBAKU