One Year After, Dagrin Remains In Our Hearts

By Osagie Alonge

‘I’m not mourning please. I want everybody to know that Dagrin is a national loss. It is Nigeria that is mourning’ – Dagrin’s father Comrade Olaniyi Olaonipekun, April 22,2010.

Today marks the 1st anniversary of the late rapper Dagrin’s death.  Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun better known as Dagrin on April, Thursday 22, 2010, lost his life after being involved in a car crash eight days earlier.

Months prior to his sudden death, he had released his sophomore work ‘C.E.O’ (Chief Executive Omota) which produced the mega street anthem ‘Pon Pon Pon’ and the ladies’ favourite ‘Kondo’. He was rising fast amongst his peers, performing at biggest of shows and was finally given the attention, recognition and fame he struggled for all the years.

His sudden death sent shock waves down the spines of the entire public; those who never knew who he was instantly became aware of his works. His music got more rotation than when he was alive, his records flooded the streets. The once over-looked rapper who delivered his lyrics in the ‘Yoruba lingo’ became a demi-god overnight. What a pity, he was never around to say ‘thank you’.

Here are a few comments from celebrities you know well, who in one way or the other were affected by the young rapper demise…

Ayo Animashaun: I find his loss shocking and disappointing. It’s sad for the industry. Dagrin is irreplaceable. This is a wakeup call for all of us. We have to be careful as we work at night. There are bad roads everywhere. We hope the government takes us more serious.

D1 Adeneye: He was one of Nigeria’s brightest young minds. A prodigy in his game. What he did had never been done like that before. He left us too soon. He will be missed.

M.I: The Nigerian music industry lost a great legend and the fact that he made it should mean to anyone that is determined and has the zeal can make it too in life. RIP Dagrin, we’ll forever miss you.

KSB: if you listen to the lyrics well, he made all the prayers to be big but he didn’t ask for safety, he didn’t ask for protection. And entered the studio again to record a song ‘If I die, don’t cry’; it was a matter of somebody had accepted that this death is so close.

Overdose: We only met a couple times but I could tell that he was a real person. He respected everybody for who they were and I respect him for that.

eLDee da Don: I believe we lost a great talent, he was a great asset to our entertainment industry and his contribution will be missed dearly. I also hope we use the loss of Dagrin to champion causes that will ensure a reduction in the lives lost in the same manner. Too many youths lose their lives to preventable causes and we must begin to question ourselves about how much we are doing to reduce the numbers.

Praiz: Dagrin made me understand that hard work always pays off. He persisted and made it against all odds. He’s an inspiration.

Darey: Dagrin was one of the most original indigenous rappers to come out of Africa and a lesson to us all on humility and perseverance. The music community will forever miss his talent. God be with those he left behind (Amen)

Gbemi: He was on his way to becoming a huge star. He will always be remembered. R.I.P

DJ Zeez: I miss him everyday especially the days I’m very happy because such days bring back memories of the happy times we spent together not just as colleagues but as brothers, as friends and soldiers of the same struggle. He came, he saw, he conquered. He lives on, our evergreen Dagrin. Love you still. Rest in peace, soldier.

Steve Babaeko: It’s phenomenal how a young man like Dagrin could affect a lot in just a short time. It just goes to show that it’s not how long you live but what you do when you’re alive.

DJ Neptune: Dagrin is more than a friend to me, he is like a brother who strived hard for what he in believed in. I remember the first day I met him was at the radio station “Ray Power FM” in 2005 when he brought his single ‘Rap rules anthem’ for promotion on radio. Ever since then we became close to the extent of staying in each other’s house, ate from the same plate, share each other dreams, and strategized on how to achieve our goals.

He was a soldier to me because he came to this wicked world, experienced good and bad situations, fought hard and he overcame his struggles. Continue to rest in peace my brother, am glad you believed in your dreams and worked towards making it reality and today the world celebrates the good legacy you left behind. God bless your soul… I miss you Dagrin.

Terry G: Dagrin came to my studio twice where we recorded two songs for an artiste he featured on. e was simple HekeiddjdjdejHe was simple and focused on getting the songs done. I respect his musical side a lot.

Terry Tha Rapman: We met at Cartiair’s ‘Owo ati Swagger’ video shoot. He was so calm when we talked. We spoke about stuff as we shared a drink from the same bottle. He will be missed.

Lexy Doo: He didn’t allow it (stardom) to get into his head. If he knows you are older than him, he doesn’t shake you, he prostrates regardless of where he is.

DJ Bombastic: We miss everything about the boy, it’s a great loss to the industry.

Sunday Are:  You can’t have two D’banjs, you can’t have two Fela Anikulapo Kutis, you can’t have two King Sunny Ades and at the same time can’t have two Dagrins.

DJ Jimmy JATT: He’s an irreplaceable loss, a unique talent and a wonderful human being. He was always determined and focused. We met many times at shows, he had it in him.

*Ghetto Dreamz, the official Dagrin Biopic, premieres this evening.