Netizens have taken to social media to mourn the passing of Ghanaian musician cum actor, Andy Nii Akrashie, popularly known as OJ Blaq.
OJ Blaq’s demise was confirmed by prominent figures in the entertainment industry and the Empowerment Worship Center, where he had actively served as a junior pastor before his untimely departure.
Although the exact cause of his passing remains unknown, there is speculation among netizens that his struggle with kidney disease may have contributed to his unfortunate fate.
In 2021, OJ Blaq’s battle with kidney disease came to public attention, and he valiantly underwent dialysis treatment in pursuit of recovery.
His resilience and determination appeared to pay off, as he made a spirited return to his artistic pursuits, albeit marked by a noticeable weight loss that raised concerns among his fans and well-wishers.
Renowned for his distinctive rapping style and insightful lyrical content, OJ Blaq achieved considerable success with his hit track “Chale Wote” in 2009, which resonated strongly on airwaves across the nation.
He made his mark as a member of Lynxx Entertainment during its formative years, alongside luminaries like Asem, Eazzy, and Richie Mensah, who paved the way for subsequent stars such as MzVee, KiDi, and Kuami Eugene.
In addition to his musical achievements, OJ Blaq’s talent extended to the silver screen, where he graced numerous Ghanaian films, most notably the acclaimed “Suncity” television series.
The turning point in OJ Blaq’s life came with a near-fatal encounter with kidney failure, which prompted a profound transformation.
Emerging from the shadows of his health struggles, he embraced a new purpose, channelling his energies toward a spiritual journey. In a candid interview following his recovery, he shared, “I am not that guy anymore. God has saved me. I died and God brought me back to life. My old behaviour died with me. I am now a new creation.”
Embracing his newfound spirituality, OJ Blaq channelled his creative energy into gospel music, crafting soul-stirring songs like “Have Your Way” and others that echoed his unwavering faith. He embarked on a path of evangelism, passionately sharing his story and inspiring others with his transformative experience.
newsalertgh.com has compiled some of the tributes pouring in from netizens:
Rest well Gbon 🕊 OJ Blaq pic.twitter.com/JROwlnfUfH
— Brother Jerry (@djmastajay) August 17, 2023
R.I.P. to the first musician to ever walk into the Lynx Studio to record his music. U will always be remembered for ur kind heart and ur ability to put a smile on so many faces.
Condolences and best wishes to your family. U will be missed OJ Blaq 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/6KOJxPHV0B
— Lynx Entertainment (@LynxGhana) August 17, 2023
Rest well King OJ BLAQ pic.twitter.com/DaUb6GOqoS
— GURU NKZ (@gurunkz) August 17, 2023
Old School Reunion 2008, I had lost my wallet which contained my passport. On our search for the wallet we met OJ Blaq at Pavilion E and he remarked “Chale you won’t find it, go do another one”
RIP Champ
— E.A Tetteh, Ph.D. (@MantseBiAgo) August 17, 2023
There will never be another OJ BLAQ 😭😭😭. Rest Easy pic.twitter.com/GXTyiTMf3x
— Naa Ayele Aryee Tatas (@tatascaritas) August 17, 2023
Oh OJ Blaq💔💔💔 Really sad news😥😥
— SAMMY FORSON (@sammyforson) August 17, 2023
