In reaction to the tragic death of legendary Congolese artiste Papa Wemba, Collins Enebeli, father of music producer and record label executive Don Jazzy, took to Facebook to share his thoughts on the provision of healthcare service at concert venues.
He wrote:
The sad news of the death of Papa Wemba is a wake up call for artists and their managers to see reason why promoters and event organisers need the services of healthcare service providers for artists while on engagement for their events to avoid preventable fatalities as this.
Explaining that performers often neglect their health because of the nature of the job, he charged artiste managers to be more involved in making arrangements for medical care at venues.
Artiste managers need to insist that the services of a trained health personnel who specializes in handling celebrities is factored into their performance contract to ensure that artists are well monitored and looked after when on professional engagement anywhere in the world.
Recalling that James Brown and Michael Jackson died under nearly similar circumstances, Mr. Enebeli, a performer himself in his heyday, signed off his post by paying tribute to another legend that died recently – Prince.
We are yet to recover from the shocking news of the demise of the purple rain crooner Prince earlier this week and now it is our own dear Papa Wemba. This is the reason we must all see the need to engage the services of professionals. May the soul of Papa Wemba rest in perfect peace.
Photo credit – Trendz