16th December, 2023
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Families of the partygoers who died at Nigerian superstar Asake’s concert as a result of a stampede in Brixton, London, have said the Nigerian singer has not done enough to support them.
Asake headlined a show at the 4900-capacity Brixton O2 Academy in December 2022, where he performed his debut album.
The concert was, however, cancelled mid-way after a crowd of thousands breached the doors while trying to force their way into the show’s venue.
Gabrielle Hutchinson and Rebecca Ikumelo were the two victims who died from the incident.
According to BBC, Nina and Kelsey Hutchinson, the sisters of one of the victims, said Asake “has not done enough.”
Hutchinson’s family also argued that the singer refused to use his voice “for good” or support the police investigation.
“The main person who can help is Asake. He has not done nearly enough for the families. Maybe enough for himself,” Kelsey said.
“He has used Gaby’s name in his speeches and concerts but he has not done anything to support the investigation.
“He has a voice, he can use it for good. He could come forward to his fans and ask for support with the appeals.
“These people had cameras and there are statements that they can give.”
Nina said, “reliving everything that happened a year ago, it never gets any easier”.
“Gaby will always be the person who should be there and who is missing. We are living in this real time and we still don’t have those answers,” she added.
Rebecca Ikumelo was a nursing graduate. Credit: Metropolitan Police UK
Also speaking on the incident, Rebecca’s parents – Yetunde Olodo and Anthony Ikumelo, said the musician had not contacted them.
The parents said they are still waiting for answers after one year, adding that Asake should “do what is right.”
“Asake has been back to the country twice since the incident and he has not checked in to the families to ask us how we are coping,” the news outlet quoted them as saying.
“Maybe he does not want to contact us, but he should do what he thinks is right. It has been a year but for us it feels like last week.
“What makes it so painful is that we are still waiting for answers. We don’t understand why this happened. Rebecca went to see her idol and never returned home”.
Asake had previously apologised to fans over the incident.