British-Nigerian rapper Ben Chijioke dies from Coronavirus

Nigerian-British artist Ben Obioma Godwin Chijioke better known by his stage name TY has died from coronavirus complications.

The rapper died at the age of 47 on Thursday after contracting pneumonia while in recovery according to a GoFundMe previously set up for him.

“It is with much sadness that I have to report the passing of Ben Chijioke, better known as TY Chijioke on the 7th May 2020, close friends, family and fans are devastated of his death,” an update for the campaign read.

“Since then TY’s condition had been improving but last week while on a normal ward he had contracted pneumonia which worsened his recovery and ultimately TY’s body couldn’t fight back anymore,” the page said. “This is a shock to everyone.

The family would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has reached out and expressed their concern since he was admitted in hospital but right now they would value having their privacy, so they can mourn privately. They just need time to process.”

According to the page, the hip-hop star was hospitalised and placed in a medically-induced coma following “complications” surrounding the coronavirus.

An update made on April 19 said Ty was “doing much better” and had been moved out of the intensive care unit.