The deadly COVID-19 has continued to prove it is a no respecter of power, stardom and fame. Last Friday it took away Abba Kyari, previous Chief of Staff to Nigeria’s President, a man who several described as the most powerful man in Nigeria, second only to President Muhammadu Buhari.
On Thursday American rapper Fredrick Thomas aka Fred The Godson who hhas been suffering from COVID-19 also died of the virus, 17 days after taking to social media to call for prayers from fans.
His friend and American TV personality, DJ Self, who confirmed the death, wrote that Fred “was loved…never heard one bad thing about you RIP @fredthegodsonmusic Sleep Well my brother.”
On Monday April 6, 2020, the rapper shared a photo of himself in a hospital and captioned: “I’m in here with this Covid-19 shit! Please keep me in y’all prayers!!! #GodIsGreat.” That was his last post on social media.
Reports say the 35-year-old rapper suffered from asthma and had kidney problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the COVID-19.”
Fred the Godson made his career breakthrough in 2010 with the Armageddon mixtape. He was subsequently named to American hip hop magazine XXL’s 2011 Freshman Class, which also featured Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Lil B, Meek Mill and others. He also released two hugely successful and acclaimed mixtapes in the past year, titled “They Call Me the Flow” and “American Gangster”.
Fred began his journey to stardom in South Bronx ghetto of New York. He abandoned studies at Monroe High School for the streets and at age 15 Fred discovered he had a special talent – an exceptional aptitude at working with words. He eventually combined this verbal skill with his love for music, and found his niche. That was how his ascent to rap music and lyrical greatness started.
He was inspired by the work of artists like Jay-Z, however, never signed to a major label. Fred claimed he nearly signed to Def Jam Recordings, an American record label owned by Universal Music Group, during JAY-Z’s tenure as president in the 2000s. He said the deal fell through after JAY-Z left Def Jam.
“I’m not saying I’m the best rapper in the world,” Fred said in a 2017 interview.
“I just know I’m better than tons of the shit that’s out now. Sometimes, you just think, ‘What the hell’s going on?’”
The rapper, who left behind his wife, LeAnn Jemmott, and two children, joined the growing list of celebrities who have died from complications related to COVID-19.
Fred’s wife who had been updating fans about his condition wrote in an Instagram post on Monday April 20:
“I know everyone is looking for an update. This virus is a battle.. Fred is fighting, he is still on a ventilator until his lungs recover. He is better than he was and he is not getting worst! God is an amazing God. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Continue praying for Godson; he’s pulling through.”
African legendary singer Manu Dibango died of coronavirus on March 24 at the age of 86. He was the first African celebrity to die of the deadly virus. Grammy-winning folk and country singer, John Prine also died on April 7 at age 73.