DJ Arafat has died, aged 33

Ivory Coast musician DJ Arafat has died following a road accident in Abidjan. He was 33.

The singer, who had a large following in francophone Africa, had been travelling on a motorcycle when he collided with a car. He was critically injured in the accident and later passed away after being transferred to an Abidjan hospital. The news was confirmed in a tweet by state broadcaster RTI.

DJ Arafat, real name Ange Didier Huon, was born in Adidjan in 1986 and released 11 albums during his career, which mainly focused on the "coupe-decale" form of dance music, which puts together quickfire percussion, choppy rhythms and hip hop-influenced vocals.

Ivorian Culture Minister Maurice Kouakou Bandaman expressed his condolences following the death, adding that a tribute to the late singer would be organised. Fellow Ivory Coat musician Ickx Fontaine told AFP that the country was in shock. "He was a real singer and a drummer... he gave a new breath of life to coupe-decale," he added.

AFP reporters at the Abidjan hospital where he died said that within hours of the reports being shared, around 1,000 fans had gathered outside, weeping and chanting "Arafat cannot die".