Kenyan rapper Octopizzo, real name Henry Ohanga, has been thrown into mourning following the death of his long-time manager and close friend, Vick Ongaya.
The Ivo Ivo hitmaker took to social media to announce the heartbreaking news, sharing an emotional tribute that reflected the deep bond he shared with Ongaya. According to Octopizzo, his late manager was more than a professional partner — he was a mentor, visionary, and the backbone of his artistic journey.
“He was the only person who saw potential in me when many, including myself, doubted this rap journey would work,” Octopizzo wrote. “Since 2009, he has been the creative force behind the Octopizzo brand, a visionary, mentor, and the backbone of my artistic journey. His faith in me shaped not only my career but also the person I have become.”
The rapper revealed that Ongaya passed away after a prolonged battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease that affects motor neurons and causes progressive muscle weakness. Octopizzo expressed how painful the loss was for him personally, describing Ongaya as not just a manager but a true confidant and big brother.
“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. May his soul rest in eternal peace, THE GHOST,” he added.
In a separate post, Octopizzo shared details about the ongoing burial arrangements, revealing an initial budget of approximately KSh 1.5 million for Ongaya’s send-off. He appealed to fans and well-wishers to come together in support of the burial plans through prayers and contributions.
“As we come together to honour his life and give him a dignified send-off, your prayers, support, and financial contributions will be deeply appreciated,” he wrote. He noted that friends and family have been gathering at Ongaya’s home in Woodley to coordinate preparations.
The burial is scheduled for October 25 in Kakamega, with a memorial service expected to take place on October 23.
Following the announcement, Octopizzo’s fans flooded his comment sections with heartfelt condolence messages. Many praised Ongaya for shaping the rapper’s successful career and described him as a creative visionary who helped build the Octopizzo brand from the ground up.
The loss marks a deeply emotional moment for Octopizzo, who continues to honor Ongaya’s memory as the driving force behind his artistic journey.
