Nigerian singer 'Goldie' dies

15 February 2013 Last updated at 13:34 GMT  Susan "Goldie" Harvey's music was popular across Africa Nigerian pop singer Susan Oluwabimpe "Goldie", Harvey, has died after a sudden illness, her manager says.

Her record label said Miss Harvey, 31, had complained of a severe headache shortly after returning to Nigeria from the US where she had attended the music industry's Grammy Awards.

The star was rushed to a hospital in Lagos, where she was pronounced dead.

Goldie had won several industry awards and appeared in last year's celebrity Big Brother Africa TV show.

BBC Africa producer Fidelis Mbah says the programme stirred controversy with some Nigerians who said she did not portray the country's culture in a positive light as she came across as too Western.

Others criticised the musician for her on-off romance with a fellow housemate, the Kenyan rapper Prezzo - but she remained hugely popular with young audiences, he says.

A message posted on her Facebook page on Thursday evening said: "It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed this night shortly after arriving Lagos from LA. May her soul rest in the eternal peace of the Lord - Admin."

Kenny Ogungbe, the head of her music label, Kennis Music, said she had "an abundance of talent" and it was a "gloomy moment" for Nigeria's music industry.

She was also enjoying popularity across Africa, he said in a statement.

Her three latest singles from a forthcoming album, African Invasion, were "presently enjoying heavy rotations on radio and TV stations across the continent", Mr Ogungbe said.

Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reports that Prezzo was already on his way to Nigeria to visit Goldie on Thursday.

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Nigerian singer 'Goldie' dies

15 February 2013 Last updated at 13:34 GMT  Susan "Goldie" Harvey's music was popular across Africa Nigerian pop singer Susan Oluwabimpe "Goldie", Harvey, has died after a sudden illness, her manager says.

Her record label said Miss Harvey, 31, had complained of a severe headache shortly after returning to Nigeria from the US where she had attended the music industry's Grammy Awards.

The star was rushed to a hospital in Lagos, where she was pronounced dead.

Goldie had won several industry awards and appeared in last year's celebrity Big Brother Africa TV show.

BBC Africa producer Fidelis Mbah says the programme stirred controversy with some Nigerians who said she did not portray the country's culture in a positive light as she came across as too Western.

Others criticised the musician for her on-off romance with a fellow housemate, the Kenyan rapper Prezzo - but she remained hugely popular with young audiences, he says.

A message posted on her Facebook page on Thursday evening said: "It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed this night shortly after arriving Lagos from LA. May her soul rest in the eternal peace of the Lord - Admin."

Kenny Ogungbe, the head of her music label, Kennis Music, said she had "an abundance of talent" and it was a "gloomy moment" for Nigeria's music industry.

She was also enjoying popularity across Africa, he said in a statement.

Her three latest singles from a forthcoming album, African Invasion, were "presently enjoying heavy rotations on radio and TV stations across the continent", Mr Ogungbe said.

Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reports that Prezzo was already on his way to Nigeria to visit Goldie on Thursday.

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Shanty singer dies after accident

12 February 2013 Last updated at 14:24 GMT  Trevor Grills suffered severe head injuries A Cornish shanty group singer injured in a music venue accident has died.

Fisherman's Friends singer Trevor Grills suffered critical injuries after being hit by a falling metal door at G Live in Guildford, Surrey, on Saturday.

The group said Mr Grills, 54, from Port Isaac, died of severe head injuries. He was described as a "much loved and valued friend".

Tour manager Paul McMullen, 44, from Disley in Cheshire, also died in the incident.

Fans' support

Police were called to the London Road venue just after 11:45 GMT on Saturday after a report that two men were trapped under a metal door in a loading bay.

Tour manager Paul McMullen died at the scene

The 10-piece group from Port Isaac were due on stage that evening.

Officers said Mr McMullen suffered serious injuries to his legs and died at the scene.

Mr Grills was taken by ambulance to St George's Hospital in south London.

The group said: "Trevor was a much loved and valued friend to all of us and was an integral part of the Port Isaac community.

"He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Trevor's family at this very difficult time."

President of Island Records Darcus Beese added: "We are all deeply saddened at losing Trevor.

"The Fisherman's Friends are exactly that; life-long partners in all they do and our thoughts and prayers go out to them and Trevor's family and friends."

Members of the group gathered in Port Isaac on Monday to thank fans for their support after news of Mr Grills's injury spread.

'Special person'

However, his condition deteriorated and Surrey Police confirmed that he had died on Monday night at the hospital in Tooting.

Ian Brown, manager of Fisherman's Friends, told BBC News: "It's awful, he was a lovely man.

"It's a very close knit community in Port Isaac and we're just doing what we can to help the Fisherman's Friends and the families.

"Trevor was a very special person and will be sadly missed."

The Fisherman's Friends said Mr Grills was a "much loved and valued friend"

On the groups' Facebook page many people have started leaving tributes to Mr Grills.

Cate Bain wrote: "Our hearts are in Port Isaac right now and our love and deepest sympathy go to all the family and friends mourning such a terrible tragedy."

And Charlie Berman said: "Such an awful tragedy. Loss is something that fishing communities have long had to face but this is little solace at this moment. You must keep the music alive for him."

Mr McMullen has been called an "amazing man" by group Said The Maiden, which has worked with the singers.

"We feel honoured and grateful to have been able to work with him," said the group.

The Fisherman's Friends were given a £1m recording contract after being discovered by music industry bosses during a pub concert.

They have since performed at the Glastonbury Festival.

Ealing Studios is working on developing a film charting the rise of the a cappella group.

The Fisherman's Friends show was cancelled on Saturday night by G Live.

Venue director Alvin Hargreaves said he was "devastated" to hear of Mr Grills's death and said the venue team's "thoughts and prayers" were with the group and their families.

Guildford Borough Council, which owns the building, said it "expresses its condolences and sympathy to all involved".

Surrey Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident.

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Shanty singer 'fighting for life'

11 February 2013 Last updated at 13:40 GMT The Fisherman's Friends said friends and families were pulling together following the accident in Surrey on Saturday A Cornish shanty group singer injured in a music venue accident in which the group's tour manager died is "fighting for his life", the group has said.

Fisherman's Friends singer Trevor Grills suffered critical injuries after being hit by a falling metal door at G Live in Guildford, Surrey, on Saturday.

Tour manager Paul McMullen, of Disley in Cheshire, died in the incident.

The group has thanked well-wishers, saying they were "touched and moved" by the response.

'Concern and support'

Police were called to the London Road venue just after 11:45 GMT on Saturday after a report that two men were trapped under a metal door in a loading bay.

The 10-piece group, from Port Isaac, were due on stage that evening.

Officers said Mr McMullen suffered serious injuries to his legs and died at the scene.

Mr Grills was taken by ambulance to St George's Hospital in south London.

The hospital confirmed he was still in a critical condition.

Speaking in Port Isaac, singer Jon Cleave said: "The Fisherman's Friends are very touched and moved by the concern and support shown for our friends, Trevor and Paul.

The accident happened at G Live in Guildford

"We would like to express our and Port Isaac's thanks to everyone for that.

"It's part-and-parcel of our Cornish community to pull together, one-and-all, in such times; and that is what we are doing.

"Trevor is fighting for his life in the presence of his family in hospital in Tooting.

"All our love and thoughts are with them at this time."

The Health and Safety Executive said it and Surrey Police were investigating the incident, described by G Live as a "serious accident".

Guildford Borough Council said it was "helping in any way we can during this very difficult and sad time".

It said: "This is a complex area for investigation and our health and safety team will continue to offer any necessary assistance.

"Our building control team will also continue to advise on ensuring the site remains safe."

The Fisherman's Friends were given a £1m recording contract after being discovered by music industry bosses during a pub concert.

They have since performed at the Glastonbury Festival.

Ealing Studios is working on developing a film charting the rise of the a capella group.

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