Gengetone artist Shalkido has passed away following a tragic motorbike accident, comedian and media personality Oga Obinna confirmed on Monday.
Taking to Instagram, Obinna shared the heartbreaking update.
“Gengetone artist Shalkido has passed away following a tragic motorbike accident. The sad news comes just hours after he was declared brain dead. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.
Obinna, who had been among the last people to interact with Shalkido, was mid-show when the news broke.
He only learned of the tragedy after a flood of comments on his YouTube livestream, with viewers typing “RIP.”
@lightcasttvkenya
“Watu wameanza kusema alikuwa sacrificed na tulimtumia vibaya!”~Obinna speaks after Shalkido’s untimely demise.
♬ original sound – Lightcast TV Kenya
Disturbed by the messages, Obinna instructed his team to verify the information with Shalkido’s family.
Moments later, he confirmed the devastating news live on air.
“This and the next will be one of the hardest shows we are going to have to do. I know we have lost Shalkido. It is going to be difficult. We have lost him, but life has to move on and work has to be done,” he said emotionally.
Condolences have since poured in across social media, with fans and fellow artists mourning the fallen star best known for his role in Sailors Gang, the group behind the viral 2019 anthem “Wamlambez.”
Born Kelvin Mburu Kinyanjui, Shalkido was celebrated for his catchy phrases and unique energy that helped define the Gengetone wave.
However, his life took a difficult turn after the group’s split, leading to financial challenges and a battle with depression, struggles he candidly shared during an interview with Obinna earlier this year, admitting he had reached “the end.”
In a recent gesture of support, comedian Eric Omondi had gifted Shalkido a brand-new motorbike to help him rebuild his life.
Sadly, he would meet his death in the same way he hoped to live.
According to reports, Shalkido had made a brief appearance at an entertainment joint in Thika alonside Obinna before heading back to Nairobi when he was involved in a fatal crash.
He had been initially declared brain-dead hours before his tragic death.
Shalkido will be remembered as one of the pioneers of an unforgettable music wave in Kenya’s entertainment scene.