Majek Fashek admitted to Abuja rehab as band-mate, Swaida, moves to save icon

Nigerian-born reggae singer and guitarist, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, is currently on admission at a rehabilitation centre in Abuja following suspected case of drug abuse.

Caregivers at the rehab centre, who preferred anonymity, said Majek was placed at the intensive care unit of the centre and is responding to treatment.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier revealed that following the music legend’s sudden disappearance, a group of people volunteered to form a search party to establish his whereabouts for proper medical attention.

Majek, who was previously seen roaming the streets of Lagos aimlessly, had lived in the United States some years ago before being deported to Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that his deportation from America worsened his condition as he allegedly separated with his wife and resorted to begging.

Meanwhile a fundraising campaign to save the reggae icon’s life has been launched by a US-based musician and one-time Majek’s band-mate, Monica Omorodion Swaida, seeking fans around the world to donate to the cause.

Ms Swaida, who coordinates the fundraiser through American crowd funding platform, GoFundMe, appealed to people to “come together and help him”.

Writing on the campaign website, Ms. Swaida said, “I had the opportunity to go on tour with Majek Fashek in Africa and Abroad. I played on stage with Majek last in NYC. Majek was compared to the late icon Bob Marley.

“He was one of the greatest singer and guitarist in Nigeria. He came to America and even went as far as singing in David Letterman’s show. Majek put Nigeria on the map when it comes to music.

“Today, Majek is seen in the streets of Lagos looking for petty change to buy food and drinks. Majek looks sickly and fray. He is looking haggard! How can a national hero be left on the street like that? We must do something to take care of this man. No matter the problems majek has, whether drug related, spiritual or mental related problems, it doesn’t matter. Everyone can be saved! Let’s come together and help him.

“The family of Majek just recently got their legal papers in America and can now travel. But they need your support. They can’t do this alone. They have not been in Nigeria for over 20 years. But they want to help their dad now.

“I will personally go with the wife, Rita Majek, and the first son, Randy Majek, to Nigeria to join others fighting for this cause to help Majek. Please fans all over the world, let us help save this legend while he is still alive. God bless those reading this. Amen!”

The fund raising campaign to save the life of the ailing reggae star has so far raised $2,793.