The Mozambican rapper, Azagaia, his artistic name and by which he was best known, died this Thursday, 9, in Maputo, the country’s capital, at age 38.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
However, a family source contacted by Forbes Lusophone Africa revealed that the musician, whose official name is Edson da Luz, was the victim of an epileptic seizure.
“Azagaia suffered from epilepsy and had constant seizures. This time he had a seizure while resting in his room. At this moment, this is all we can say while we wait for the autopsy result,” said the source.
This revelation to Forbes contradicts information that has been circulating, indicating that the social activist, also considered by the Mozambicans as a “people’s rapper”, fell from the roof of his residence while he was doing housework.
Edson da Luz ‘Azagaia’ became famous for his open criticism of the country’s government, so much so that in 2008 he was even questioned by the Attorney General’s Office.
REACTIONS TO THE DEATH OF THE LUSOPHONE MUSIC STAR
In statements to the Lusa agency, the minister of Culture and Tourism of Mozambique said she was shocked by the news of the death of Azagaia, who, in her opinion, was a unique rapper.
“I am extremely shocked. Without a doubt, Mozambican music and culture are in mourning. The world has lost a unique rapper,” said Eldevina Materula.
Outside of Mozambique, there are also several reactions to the physical passing of Edson da Luz.
The Angolan musician Fly Squad also regrets the event.
“We lost one of the world’s greatest rappers rhyming in Portuguese,” wrote Fly, Squad in a publication with more than 7,000 interactions.
“Rest in Peace, my Mano Azagaia. We are together, Mozambique. The legend never dies,” wrote Big Nelo, another Angolan rapper, on a social network.
Still from Angola, Kid Mc also used social networks to mourn Azagaia’s death.
“What is this, bro Azagaia? What a blow! You inspired me enough that I was not supposed to have to resign myself to the idea of no longer being able to hear good news coming from your pen.”
“For me, you didn’t die; you just left the physical world because the legacy you built and the valuable lyrics you wrote will be responsible for keeping you alive,” emphasized the musician.
From Portugal, rapper Valete wrote on his account that Lusophony had lost one of the greatest rappers in the Portuguese language.
“One of the human beings I most admired in my life, a true patriot, loved Africa and Mozambique like few others—the brother I never had.”
“Thousands of miles away, we will pay eternal tribute to one of the most important men in the history of Lusophone rap,” Valete declared.
The cry of lament also comes from Brazil, where rapper Gabriel Pensador showed the pain of losing his colleague.
“Our brother Azagaia, an icon of Lusophone rap, left us so young, at 38, in his home in Mozambique—a great loss for our hip-hop music and culture. Your legacy is eternal, bro; rest in peace. Thank you for everything,” wrote Gabriel Pensador.
Azagaia became known in music with a style of social and political intervention.
Among the controversial songs, “As Mentiras da Verdade” and “A Marcha” stood out and broke sales records.
Azagaia was born on May 6, 1984, in Namaacha, Mozambique.
The public applauded him for his “courage” to sing songs denouncing “the truths, despite the persecution the political power subjected to him.”
With information from Forbes