The mother of a London rapper killed in a car crash on his way to a concert spoke of her pride in her son’s achievements — and called on people to “celebrate his life”.
The 28-year-old musician Cadet, real name Blaine Cameron Johnson, died as he was travelling in a taxi to perform at Keele University in Staffordshire early on Saturday.
Hundreds of friends, family members and fans of the rapper gathered in Hyde Park yesterday to pay tribute. Holding back tears, his mother told the crowd: “I want you to be celebrating his life. I want peace and harmony. I am so proud of him because he accomplished so much in his life. I am unhappy he has gone but it is not in vain.”
Last night dozens of friends and relatives gathered at his family home in Clapham to pay tribute after hundreds of balloons were let off in Hyde Park to commemorate him.
Arran Baptiste, a 22-year-old fan who attended the Hyde Park event, said: “We have lost a great talent. His death was so sudden and from the hundreds of people there, you could see how it hit everyone hard. He will always be a big inspiration, and his death has reminded me to enjoy every moment.”
The death of Cadet, who was due to play at Wireless Festival this summer, sparked tributes from stars including Brit Award-winning rapper Stormzy and Cadet’s cousin Krept, one half of rap duo Krept and Konan.
“My life will never be the same again,” Krept tweeted. “I love you and will forever miss you. I can’t believe it.”
Staffordshire police are investigating the collision, which involved a Toyota Prius taxi and a Vauxhall Combo van. Both drivers are being treated at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
