Nigerian rapper and songwriter, Lanre Fasasi better known as Sound Sultan, is dead.

He died at age 44.

Sultan who is regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria, was reported to have died of throat Cancer after battling with the illness for a while.

His family, in a statement, said: “It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of multi talented veteran singer, rapper, songwriter, olanrewaju Fasasi aka Sound Sultan.

“He passed away at the age of 44 following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphomia.

“He is survived by his wife, three children and his siblings. We his family will appreciate the utmost privacy as we come to grips with his tragic loss.”

His elder brother, Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee, also confirmed the sad incident on his Instagram page.

He said; “To Allah we belong and to him we shall return”.