Nigerian/British rapper Ben Chijioke, better known as Ty, dies from Coronavirus at the age of 47

British rapper, Ben Chijioke, better known as Ty, has died from Coronavirus at the age of 47

Benedict Obioma Godwin Chijioke, who is of Nigerian descent, died after he was hospitalized and placed in a medically-induced coma following “complications” surrounding the virus.

His team confirmed his death on Thursday, May 7.

Ty was previously nominated for the Mercury Prize for his acclaimed album Upwards. He first shot to prominence in 2001 with his The Awkward, and his second album Upwards was nominated for The Mercury Prize in 2004. 

He went onto release three more albums with his last being A Work Of Heart in 2018.

Last year, Ty also formed a supergroup called Kingdem featuring rappers Blak Twang and Rodney P. The rap superstar also collaborated with artists including Soweto Kinch, De La Soul and Roots Manuva. 

He was hospitalized in April after contracting the deadly virus. A fundraising page explained Ty was admitted to the hospital with medical complications related to the coronavirus.

The star was then placed into a medically-induced coma, and later put on a ventilator, but was moved out of intensive care after his condition improved.

In the fundraisers’ last post on April 19, friend Diane Laidlow said: “Hey guys. Just to update you that TY is now out of the intensive care unit and is on a normal ward. He is doing much better. Super excited.”

Since Ty’s death was announced, many stars have paid tribute on social media.