Nigerian musician Stephen “Papi Urhobo” Ebihor has died following a severe illness.
Urhobo Worldwide, a digital community and cultural platform that promotes Urhobo heritage, music, traditions and unity, announced his death in a statement posted on its Instagram page on Tuesday.
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The platform did not disclose when Papi Urhobo died or provide details about the illness that claimed his life. It also appealed to his fans and members of the public to avoid circulating unverified reports, particularly about his death and burial arrangements.
Urhobo Worldwide said the musician’s family would announce the burial date and other details in an official statement at a later time.
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The statement read: “With profound sadness, we acknowledge the passing of our dear brother, friend, colleague, and fellow entertainer, Stephen Ebihor Aka Papy Urhobo. We kindly appeal to the public, friends, colleagues, and fans to refrain from sharing unverified information or details about his burial arrangements until the family makes its official statement.
“The family will communicate with the public at the appropriate time. We appreciate everyone for the love, prayers, and support, and we urge friends and members of the public to put the wife and children he left behind in prayers at this difficult time. May Papy’s soul rest in perfect peace.”
Health challenge
Although the circumstances surrounding Papi Urhobo’s death remained unclear, the singer had earlier revealed that had an accident.
In a video he posted on Instagram on 29 July, Papi Urhobo said the accident left him with a cracked bone and prevented him from walking. He appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to pay for surgery, saying the treatment would help him walk again.
In another video posted on 2 August, he gave an update on his condition and thanked those who had contributed towards his medical expenses.
Meanwhile, Papi Urhobo’s wife also appealed for financial assistance to support her husband’s treatment. In a video posted on the Facebook page of Ossai Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, in August, she called on Nigerians to help raise money for the medical examinations required before doctors could perform the surgery.
She said her husband needed a scan or X-ray before the hospital would admit him for the procedure.
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Papi Urhobo
Papi Urhobo gained prominence for his distinctive vocals on Timaya’s 2007 hit, “Ogologomma”, where his performance became one of the song’s memorable elements.
The song was a track on Timaya’s debut studio album, “True Story.”
The Delta State-born musician built a reputation for his powerful voice and contributions to early Nigerian dancehall and Afropop recordings.
Papi Urhobo brought elements of his Urhobo musical heritage into his sound, combining the traditional influence with contemporary Nigerian rhythms and giving his vocal performances a distinct character.
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