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| Fresh faced Majek Fashek in 1994 |
Once the gleaming jewel of African music, with great expectations from some to reach the same heights as Bob Nesta Marley, Majek Fashek has become a shell of a man. From his appearance to his state of health it is obvious that he needs help and he needs it fast. His teeth can easily pass for a poster of narcotic and substance abuse. His once beautiful dreadlocks now dangle across his lean face and his eyes have become dull and constantly dreamy as if memories of better days still linger somewhere within. It is almost impossible not to shed a tear when you gaze upon what he has become. Majek first gained national fame on a television show in the early 1980s as a member of Nigeria-based reggae group Jastix. His bandmates included Ras Kimono and Amos McRoy Gregg. They toured for many years with fellow reggae group The Mandators. In 1988, shortly after Jastix disbanded, he began a solo career and quickly became the best-known reggae artist in Nigeria. His song "Send Down The Rain" was a hit, and he won six US-based PMAN Music Awards. He announced himself to the world when he remixed Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song'. He got signed to Interscope Records and relocated to New York in fulfillment of his life long dream. His sophomore album "Spirit of Love' wasproduced by "Little Steve and it went multi platnum. A couple of years later, Rita Marley' wife of reggae legend Bob Marley was blown away when she heard his cover version of 'Redemption Son'. A record deal was reached and she signed him to Tuff Gong Records. His voice coupled with the social consciousness of his lyrics bore signs of everything legend. Majek Fashek released so much hits from the early to late nineties and seemed destined for the stars.
However, around 2000 signs began to emerge that something was wrong with the reggae star. From rumors of cocaine addiction to tales of alcohol fiestas, news began to spread that the once fresh faced talented singer has gone round the bend. Though his team did all they could to control the information leaking out to the press, people needed no need for proof when they looked upon the man from whom much was expected. Cassandra who was a friend of Rita Marley and also a die hard fan of Majek Fashek was able to to convince him to get into a detox program, he did but did not follow through. As a result of this, his contract with Tuff Gong was terminated and he was cut loose. Running wild and free, he met some bad company and soon drifted back to his old ways.
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| Majek basking in the pleasureful offers of New York night clubs |
His last studio effort "Little Patience" released in 2004 gave hope to millions of fans across the world of a possible comeback but that was not to be. he broke up with his then Nigeria based Management Company and manager Charles Novia amid rumors of embarrassing acts not befitting of a person of Majek Fashek's caliber. But as it proved, he was already on a downward spiral. His addiction to Cocaine and Gin got out of control and he has become almost unrecognizable as a result of substance abuse. In a recent interview with 'The News' he said "The stuff (cocaine)works with the brain, its brain food so it is very nice. Cocaine is in my house as i'm talking. I use it when i want to relax my brain because i'm a higher boss" Such a statement some would say can only come from one who is beyond redemption. We do hope and pray he finds his path to a better life once again
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| Majek Fashek now a shadow of his old self |
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