Multiple artists and fans have risen in support of singer, Thierry Mengoumou aka Tenor after he was involved in a traffic accident earlier today.
In addition to having to be concerned about his injuries, which some sources say are severe, the singer also has an aggrieved family to worry about.
Shortly after the singer’s accident in Douala, the father of a girl that died in the tragic incident took many by surprise after asking that Tenor pays her bride price.
Other members of the lady’s family have remained inconsolable since the happening, and were among many found outside the Douala Laquintinie Hospital earlier today.
The exact timeline of activites, however, remains sketchy. Tenor had performed at the Institut Francais in Douala shortly before the accident.
While many suggest he and his other companions in the car might have been under the influence of alcohol, his manager, Taphis presented a different image.
Contrary to claims that the artist was the driver of the car, his manager in a statement, which has now been pulled down, said Tenor and others in the car were being driven by another individual who fled the scene.
He said “on the night of July 14 to 15, 2021, artist Tenor was the victim of a traffic accident in the city of Douala… Unfortunately, a fan lost her life and the driver is nowhere to be found”.
He added that “at the moment the artist Tenor as well as one of his friends, victims of the accident, are catered for by the staff of the Laquintinie hospital in Douala”.
Many have however questioned why images of the artist bandaged and admitted in hospital are making rounds on social media, terming the move unprofessional of hospital staff.
Fans, colleagues show solidarity
Despite the controversy, many have remained resolute in their support for Tenor, as both fans and fellow artists have been extending wishes for his quick recovery.
“May God help my little brother Tenor and his team. My sincere condolences to the family of the young lady who lost her life” wrote Locko expressing his support for the Alain Parfait crooner.
Mr Leo too was not left out, as he described the injured artist as a “fighter”.
“May God grant you the strength to battle through this difficult moment. Quick recovery Tenor and team” Mr Leo added, sharing an image of the singer.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of this fan… Thank you for your messages of support” Taphis acknowledged.
As these messages of support continue to pour out on social media, debates are also rife about the demands of the late girl’s father. Some cultures in Cameroon do insist on men getting married to the corpse of a late girl, but it is not clear if this situation fits the criteria for such a custom.
While some have been quick to condemn the demands of the girl’s father, questioning whether the bride price paid following what was an accident will bring back his daughter, there are some who have come to his defence. Some say it is just an expression of grief by a father who has lost her child, too soon.
In addition to the goodwill messages to Tenor, with many praying for his speedy recovery, there has been an outpouring of condolence messages to the family of the deceased.
