The news of the demise of the multiple awards winning South African rapper Linda Mkhize popularly known as ProKid hit hard on me. For those who were part of the story of how Nigerian modern day hip-hop influence music conquered Africa, they will acknowledge the fact that we met this lad en-route that journey.

At the beginning of our conquests in 2006, I remember in that year I was part of the contingent alongside Mode9, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Ikechukwu, Naeto C, Sauce Kid, Tee-billz, Don Jazzy, Obi Asika, Olisa adibua, D’banj and Weird Mc that attended the 2006 channel O music video awards. Although Mode9 claimed most of the honors that night, one other bright spot for everyone was the fact that arguably, ProKid was the hottest hip-hop artiste in South Africa. He was like a combination of MI, Olamide, Phyno and Sarkodie to hip-hop enthusiast in South Africa. The legendary rapper died on Wednesday night after suffering severe seizures. He was 37.

Times Live disclosed that ProKid’s family released a statement early Thursday morning, their first since he passed on.

An excerpt of the statement reads:

The legendary SA hip-hop artist affectionately known as ProKid … passed away on Wednesday. He suffered a severe seizure attack while visiting friends and paramedics were called in to assist. They did their best to revive him to no avail and called his time of death at 8.38pm…Further details will be furnished as soon as his family has gathered.” The grieving family have also asked for privacy during this trying time.