Ghana mourns death of veteran DJ and hiplife pioneer Rab Bakari

In a statement, the festival organisers said: “It is with deep sadness we announce the death of our dear friend, mentor and pillar in Ghana’s music history, Rab Bakari. 

“Rab was instrumental in the creation of hiplife music which is the foundation of modern Ghanaian music. He always offered words of encouragement and was instrumental in birthing Asa Baako. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Prior to his death, Rab had posted on Instagram to commemorate Ghana's 65th Independence Day: “6th March. I would rather be on ‘The Beach’ this Independence [from the goddam #British monarchy] Day.” 

In the wake of the DJ's death, Ghanaian artists have been posting condolence messages on social media.

“You played your part, represented Ghana to the fullest,” broadcaster and media consultant Antoine Mensah posted. “Wherever you went, whatever you did, Ghana came first for you. It’s sad and ironic you passed on today of all days. The positive energy and support you gave our creative industry will be remembered.”

Rapper and filmmaker Blitz Bazawule said: “heartbroken to hear about Rab Bakari’s passing. A kind brother, always with a smile and words of encouragement. Thank you for all you did to uplift us. You will be missed Rab!”

FOKN Bois member M3nsa tweeted: “Today we lost someone who I can say was so pure in his ways that he even came off awkward to most. But now it all makes sense because this life is not promised. Rab didn’t know how to play the beat around the bush game, he was almost always about doing everything to the fullest.”

Sarkodie posted: “If there’s something we (the industry) can’t get over, it’s definitely going to be this very one.”

A renowned entrepreneur, music producer and culture expert, Rab Bakari was regarded as a pioneering figure in hiplife, the Ghanaian genre that fuses hip hop with highlife, including contributing to multiple albums by veteran musician Reggie Rockstone. He was also behind MixerPot, an Africa-orientated booking, conference and entertainment consulting agency, and contributed to several platforms such as OkayAfrica and Africology.

Bakari worked for Universal Music Group for more than 10 years, hosting and participating in panels at SXSW Music and CMJ Music Marathon (US), Cariforum EU Business Forum (Jamaica), Kenya Music Week, and WOMEX (Hungary) among others. Additionally, he served on the board of the Ghana DJ Awards. Before his death, he was reportedly working on a book about music scenes in multiple African metro areas.