Oghenemaro Emeofa, popularly known as Mad Melon, the one half of veteran Nigerian music duo, Danfo Drivers, is dead.
His death was announced on Instagram by music icon, Daddy Showkey on Thursday, September 26, 2019. In a video shared on his page, a visibly shocked Daddy Showkey couldn’t hide his sadness about the news.
“What kind of sad news is this, what kind of sad news is this, what kind of sad news is this. Oh my God, we just lost somebody, I just heard it just now. I’m not happy at all, I’m not happy. When dem go dey tell people make dem dey hear, make dem dey hear,” he said
His management also broke the news in a statement this morning. It read, “The Management of Mad Melon and Mountain Black aka Danfo Drivers wishes to announce to the general public the passing on to glory of Oghenemaro Henry Azubuike Emeofa aka Mad Melon which sad event took place last night.
“A mighty iroko and a true legend have fallen. May God grant his family, groupmate (Mountain Black), well-wishers and friends the fortitude to bear the loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
The musician was said to be battling an undisclosed ailment before he passed on Wednesday night at Tolu Medical Centre Hospital in Ajegunle, Lagos.
The Danfo Drivers
Until his death, Mad Melon was part of the popular group ‘Danfo Drivers’ which also had Mountain Black as a member. They became popular in the early 2000s for their unique music style which till date has remained admired by Nigerians. Their hit song, “I am a Danfo Driver”, was chosen alongside 2baba’s “African Queen” as the soundtracks in the Hollywood movie, Phat Girlz.
The story of the Danfo Drivers is a ‘grass to grace’ kind. From being a ‘Danfo’ bus driver that plied the Ojo Road and Mile 2 route, they rose to become one of Nigeria’s best music duo and international stars to come out of Ajegunle.
Apart from the content theft fight they had with Tekno back in 2018, they have had a relatively scandal-free music career. And one of the highlights of the recently held Headies 2018, was the resurgence of Danfo Drivers on the big stage as they evoked nostalgic feelings performing their hit tune, Kpolongo.
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