BBC News Africa is reporting that Nigerian gospel singer Kefee Don-Momoh has died. Kefee reportedly collapsed and slipped into a coma while on a flight to Chicago last week. The flight reportedly made an emergency landing in Los Angeles, CA to rush the singer to the hospital. Known to her fans as the “Branama Queen,” Kefee died of lung failure at an undisclosed hospital.
Married to DJ Teddy Don-Momoh, the star’s best-known hits are ‘Branama’Â and ‘Kokoroko.’
Born in Sapele, Delta State, Kefee’s music career reportedly began at the age of eight when she sang in the children’s choir at her church. She went on to the adult choir at age 15 and was directing the choir by age 18. The choir made gospel albums upon which she sang lead, which is how she was discovered, eventually becoming a solo artist.
Kefee’s first album “BRANAMA” sold over two million copies.” In addition to being a gospel singer, Kefee was named an International Young Ambassador for Peace by the United Nations in 2009 for her charity work to bring peace to the country. She was also an entrepreneur, founding Branama Afrique, a production company and a restaurant Branama Kitchen in Lagos.
Kefee’s UK Manager, Adeline Adelicious Adebayo released a statement confirming the singer’s death. Adebayo wrote:
“It is with a great sadness but grateful hearts that we announce the passing to glory due to lung failure this morning of our God’s mouth piece, chorus leader, daughter, wife, sister, friend Kefee Branama Queen.”
Kefee was 30 years-old.
Read more at BBC Africa or Punchng.com.
Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.