Kenyan rapper Octopizzo is mourning the loss of his longtime manager and close friend Ongaya Vick, popularly known as @cheekszone, who passed away over the weekend.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the award-winning artist described Ongaya as the creative force behind the Octopizzo brand, saying his belief and vision shaped not just his music, but his entire journey as an artist.
“He Believed in Me Before the Fame”
“It is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of my manager and dear friend, Mr. Ongaya Vick @cheekszone,” Octopizzo wrote.
“He was the only person who saw potential in me when many — not even myself — thought this rap thing would work for us. Since 2009, he has been the creative force behind the Octopizzo brand, a visionary, mentor, and the backbone of my artistic journey.”
The rapper, whose real name is Henry Ohanga, said Ongaya’s death has left an emotional void that feels “like losing a part of himself.”
“His faith in me shaped not only my career but also the person I’ve become. Losing him feels like losing a part of myself. His loss leaves me deeply heartbroken, as I mourn not just a manager but a true confidant and big brother.”
Funeral Plans Underway in Woodley and Kakamega
According to the family, friends and loved ones have gathered at Ongaya’s residence in Woodley Estate, Nairobi, to make funeral arrangements.
He will be laid to rest at his family home in Kakamega County, where family, colleagues, and fans will celebrate his life and contributions to Kenya’s music industry.
A Partnership That Built a Legacy
Ongaya’s partnership with Octopizzo began in 2009, when the then-rising rapper from Kibera was struggling to break into Kenya’s competitive hip-hop scene.
From humble beginnings, Ongaya helped shape Octopizzo’s image and sound, steering him from the underground scene to becoming one of the most influential artists in East African hip-hop.
The two worked closely for over a decade, building a globally recognized brand that fused authentic street storytelling with high-end artistry and cultural impact.
Fans and Industry Mourn the Loss
Kenyans online poured out messages of sympathy and remembrance under Octopizzo’s emotional post, praising Ongaya for his quiet but powerful influence behind the scenes.
“Behind every great artist is a visionary who believes when no one else does. RIP Cheekszone,” one fan commented.
