Ivorian music group Magic System buries drummer in Abidjan

Magic System, famous Ivorian music band has buried a member of its group, 46-year-old drummer Didier Bonaventure Deigna popularly known as Pepito, on Saturday.

He was buried at the Grand-Bassam cemetery after mass was held for him in Abidjan.

Pepito died on Sunday, May 1, 2016, a week after the death of celebrated musician Papa Wemba during a concert in Abidjan. The group announced his death on May 3 stating that he drowned at the small seaside town of Jacqueville in Abidjan.

“He died by drowning when he decided to take advantage of the small break we had after FEMUA before we resume out tour in France. Pepito was our backup singer, drummer and the coordinator of Magic System for 16 years,” Magic System said on their Facebook page.

On Friday, a vigil was held for the musician by fellow artists, family and friends at Ernesto Djedje in the Treichville community.

Musician Freddy Meiway gave a tribute to the musician on his Facebook page saying: “Pepito you always had an edge over the others. You became the conductor of some of us who saw you begin. For this reason, I understand why moved fast up there … Farewell … RIP.”