British-Nigerian singer Gabzy has broken his silence following the tragic death of a fan at a recent Nairobi concert, admitting that the incident has left him deeply shaken and may influence his decision to perform in Kenya in the future.
The tragedy occurred on December 20, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium, where Gabzy was performing alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake. Thousands of music lovers had gathered for the highly anticipated show, but chaos erupted outside the venue as crowds surged while trying to gain entry. In the midst of the crowd crush, Karen Lojore, a young fan, sustained severe injuries and later died in hospital. The incident has sparked public outcry over concert safety and crowd control at major events in Kenya.
Gabzy expressed his devastation publicly, stating that learning of Karen’s death was “heartbreaking” and that he had reached out to her family to offer condolences. In messages to fans, he admitted that the tragedy had left him questioning whether he would ever perform in Kenya again. “This has affected me to the point that I don’t think I’d ever do another show in Kenya again,” he wrote, reflecting the emotional toll the incident has taken on him.
The singer’s statement has resonated with fans, many of whom have shared their grief and expressed anger over what they see as inadequate crowd management at the event. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and overcrowding outside the stadium gates, with security personnel struggling to control the surge. Many fans were injured while trying to force their way into the venue, highlighting concerns over ticketing, entry management, and emergency preparedness.
Event organisers have faced criticism for failing to ensure adequate safety measures, despite the scale of the concert and the number of attendees. Questions have also been raised about whether the venue had sufficient medical personnel, emergency exits, and crowd monitoring systems in place to prevent such incidents. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Friends and family of Karen Lojore have demanded accountability, arguing that she had a valid ticket and should not have lost her life while attending a paid event. Their calls for answers underscore wider concerns about the safety of concertgoers and the responsibilities of organisers and security agencies to protect attendees during large-scale events.
The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the pressures faced by international artists performing in Kenya. Gabzy’s candid reflection on the emotional impact of the tragedy highlights the responsibility that artists feel toward their fans, as well as the personal toll that such incidents can take on performers. By openly acknowledging his grief, Gabzy has shown empathy for the victims and raised awareness of the need for improved safety measures in live entertainment.
Political leaders, fan groups, and civil society organisations have joined the conversation, urging organisers and authorities to prioritise safety at public events. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of crowd management protocols, including limits on ticket sales relative to venue capacity, enhanced security training, and comprehensive emergency response plans.
As the investigation continues, Gabzy’s statement serves as a reminder of the human cost of preventable tragedies and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect lives. Fans continue to mourn the loss of Karen Lojore, while the music industry faces renewed pressure to ensure that large events in Kenya are conducted safely and responsibly.
The singer’s hesitation to return to Kenya underscores the lasting impact of the incident on performers, attendees, and organisers alike. While fans await justice for Karen and clarity on what went wrong, the incident has become a critical moment in conversations about event safety, accountability, and the wellbeing of concertgoers in Kenya.
Image by Afrika Lyrics
