Reports linking veteran Burundian musician Kidum Kibido to a road accident in Nairobi sparked concern among fans across East Africa this week before the singer publicly denied that he was involved in the crash.
Images circulated online on Thursday showing an overturned Range Rover with heavy damage after an accident reportedly involving Kenyan musician Brian Sigu and another artist identified by some social media users as “Kidum.”
Several Kenyan media outlets initially reported that Kidum, whose real name is Jean-Pierre Nimbona, had suffered injuries in the crash and had been taken to hospital alongside Sigu.
But in a statement posted Friday on social media, the Burundian singer said he was not the person involved in the accident.
“We had a very good show in Bujumbura, Burundi, last Friday,” Kidum wrote, adding that he was on a business trip in Asia at the time of the incident.
“About these news of a car accident of one Kidum a musician and a drummer as well is not me Kibido,” he added. “But I wish him quick recovery.”
The clarification came after messages of support flooded social media, with public figures and fans expressing concern over the singer’s safety following the circulation of crash images online.
According to reports from Kenyan entertainment outlets, the accident involved a vintage Range Rover that overturned on a Nairobi road Thursday. Images shared online showed the vehicle lying on its side with a shattered windshield and debris scattered around the scene.
Brian Sigu later confirmed on social media that he had survived the accident and was receiving treatment. In a post cited by Kenyan media, the musician wrote: “I saw death today,” while thanking supporters for their prayers.
Kidum, one of the best-known artists from Burundi, built his music career in Kenya after fleeing Burundi during the civil war in the 1990s. Known for blending Afro-zouk, Swahili ballads and regional rhythms, he has remained a prominent figure in East African music for decades.
