The Lagos Review joins the arts and culture community in mourning the sudden and tragic loss of a shining star, Raymond Bola Browne, popularly known as DJ RayBee or DJ Browne. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we remember his infectious energy, his passion for the arts and his unwavering dedication to nurturing emerging talents.
With profound sadness, we reflect on the impact of Browne’s passing on the city’s cultural landscape. His contributions to the arts were invaluable, and his presence will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire arts community.
Indeed, the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene is shrouded in mourning following Browne’s sudden passing on Tuesday night at Freedom Park on Lagos Island, where he suffered a heart attack after watching the Champions League match between Arsenal and PSG.
Browne, the founder and CEO of BrowneHill Radio, was a well-respected figure in the world of music, film and culture promotion. As the programmes director at Freedom Park, he played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Lagos. His passion for the arts was contagious, and his dedication to nurturing emerging talents earned him a revered place in the creative community.
According to eyewitness accounts, Browne’s death was sudden and unexpected. Gboyega Adelaja, a close friend and renowned artist, shared a poignant account of the events leading to Browne’s passing. Adelaja recounted that the evening began with their usual camaraderie at Freedom Park, where they watched the match together. Shortly after, Adelaja approached Browne for a cigarette, which the latter handed him in their customary playful manner. Moments later, tragedy struck.
“Bola Browne was more than just a friend to many of us,” Femi Odugbemi, filmmaker and co-founder of iREP International Documentary Film Festival, wrote in an emotional tribute on Facebook. “He was a wonderful creative soul, a kindred spirit, and a tireless champion of the arts. Whether spinning music at Freedom Park, curating concerts, hosting events, or holding space for filmmakers and audiences alike, he brought warmth, energy, and unwavering dedication.”
Journalist and poet Femi Morgan also paid tribute to Browne, describing him as “a beautiful soul” and “an intellectual who dropped the suit and tie one day to follow his dream as a DJ.” Morgan reflected on the impact of Browne’s decision to pursue his passion, saying, “With his DJ job, he met diplomats, curators, culture influencers, artists and artistes. We were not that close, but anytime we met, we talked like brothers.”
Browne’s illustrious career spanned multiple roles, including serving as head of event and sponsorship at iGroove Radio, floor manager at Lagos Carnival, and head of events at TVC/Radio Continental. He was a beloved figure in Nigeria’s creative community, recognized for his ability to connect people and open doors for emerging talents.
As news of his passing spread, the arts community in Lagos rallied to pay tribute to Browne’s memory. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the opportunities he created for others. Browne is survived by his son, siblings, and a legion of friends and admirers who cherished his unwavering commitment to the arts.
The Directorate of the iREP Documentary Film Forum has expressed its deep sorrow over Browne’s passing, celebrating his life, legacy, and boundless contribution to the forum. “Today, we celebrate his life, his legacy, and his boundless contribution to our forum. Rest well, dear friend. Our tribe remembers.”
As the city mourns the loss of this remarkable individual, the memory of DJ Browne’s warmth, energy, and dedication to the arts will continue to inspire and motivate the creative community in Lagos.
