Ghanaian rapper and actor OJ Blaq is dead

Ghana's music industry has been rocked yet again by the death of rapper Andy Nii Akrashie, popularly known as OJ Blaq.

OJ Blaq's sudden death at the age of 40 has left a vacuum in the hearts of fans and colleagues as the news went across the country on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

The 'Chale Wote' hitmaker had previously battled Kidney failure, which he attributed to previous lifestyle choices such as binge drinking and smoking, however it is unknown if the illness was the cause of his death at the time of publishing this news.

On Thursday morning, family and close friends of the deceased confirmed his death.

He disclosed to Caroline Sampson on Asaase Radio that he was resolved to reclaim his health by adopting a more balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.

"I quit smoking and drinking completely, and I began eating more vegetables." Not all veggies are good for renal patients; adjusting my diet has not been easy, but if you truly value your life, you must adapt. "It can be life-changing for renal patients if they stop taking their blood pressure medications as well," OJ Blaq said.

OJ Blaq explained how he discovered he had kidney failure: "I had an accident on a motorcycle." After that, I started getting swollen feet and felt it was because of the accident, but several physicians informed me it was merely infections from my injury."

In later years, the former Lynxx Entertainment signee and actor who played Marlon T in the hit TV series "SUNCITY" became a Gospel performer and a devoted member of the Empowerment Worship Center in Accra.

OJ Blaq makes his musical debut on Sydney's "My Sweetie," which is on the acclaimed "Abuskeleke" album. He has also worked with well-known artists such as Okyeame Kwame, Tinny, Asem, Richie, and others.

As we say goodbye to OJ Blaq, his music, roles in entertainment, and the eternal example he established for young musicians will live on. His dedication to hard work, growth, and the pursuit of true enthusiasm will leave an unforgettable impression on Ghana's cultural environment.