Namibian Afrobeat artist, Josef Simson, popularly known as Nally, has died in a head-on collision that claimed seven lives in the Omusati Region of Namibia.
The 33-year-old musician was among the victims of the accident, which occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday at Elim Curve along the Okahao-Oshakati road.
His brother, Benjamin Simson, confirmed his death to NBC News on Sunday afternoon, saying that the family had informed his next of kin.
Omusati Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson, said preliminary investigations indicated that a pickup truck, locally known as a bakkie, collided head-on with a sports utility vehicle (SUV).
According to the police, six occupants of the pickup truck and the driver of the SUV died at the scene.
The victims were identified as six males and one female, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash were ongoing.
Nally’s death has sparked reactions among music fans, with tributes pouring in for the musician, who was regarded as one of Namibia’s Afrobeat performers.
His death has also attracted attention following claims circulating on social media about a woman’s remark during his last reported performance on October 31.
In a video shared online, a woman could be heard making a remark suggesting that the singer would die that day. The lady shouted in the crowd, “This guy is going to die today, in fact he’s dead already”. However, there is no verified evidence linking the comment to the subsequent accident.
The crash has renewed concerns about road safety following the loss of seven lives in the incident.
