Sound Sultan Signout of Earth at 44

Popular Nigerian musician, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, has died at the age of 44.

The news of the star singer signing out of planet earth filtered into the airwaves yesterday Sunday afternoon.

Our correspondent confirmed that Mr. Olanrewaju died after months of battling Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Fasasi on behalf of the Fasasi family.

The statement read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our multitalented veteran singer, rapper, songwriter Olanrewaju Fasasi aka Sound Sultan.

“He passed away at the age of 44 following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma.

“He is survived by his wife, three children and his siblings.

“We, his family will appreciate the utmost privacy as we come to grips with this tragic loss.”

This had many fans and well-wishers saying prayers for his speedy recovery through social media posts.

Reacting, the singer shared on Instagram, saying, “I must not ignore the massive show of love. Thank you all. I will tell you my story myself it will be true then not false.”

See the photos of his burial rites, courtesy, BBC News Pidgin:

The Nigerian Star Singer, signout from planet earth at a time he is needed most in the country is indeed tragic and heartbreaking following a long battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma.

You may be wondering and asking, “What is Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma”?

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, AITL, has been described as a rare type of fast-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Lymphoma is usually a malignant tumour, experts say.

It develops when T-cells (also called T-lymphocytes) become abnormal. T-cells are white blood cells that fight infection, according to various online sources.

“The abnormal T-cells (lymphoma cells) usually build up in lymph nodes, but it can affect other parts of the body,” says an online medical platform based in the United Kingdom, Macmillan.

Doctors can tell which type of AITL a patient has by looking at the lymphoma cells under the microscope.

“Angioimmunoblastic lymphoma is a type of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. It is a high grade (aggressive) lymphoma that affects blood cells called T cells. It is also called angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma,” cancer.org states..

What are the symptoms of AITL?

The portal notes that the progression is often aggressive, though spontaneous remission has occurred in some people. “All organ systems can potentially be affected,” it notes.

Researchers believe that many of the symptoms associated with AITL result from dysfunction of the immune system rather than from complications relating to tumour growth or spread.

According to experts, symptoms of the noncommunicable disease often include::

• feeling generally unwell
• itchy skin or rash
• swellings in the neck, armpit or groin caused by lymphoma cells building up in the lymph nodes.

Physicians also note that some people also have:

• drenching night sweats
• high temperatures (fevers) with no obvious cause
• unexplained weight loss

Doctors call this group of symptoms B symptoms.

Other symptoms

Sometimes AITL spreads to other areas of the body, such as the lungs or abdomen; and, depending on where the lymphoma spreads to, this can cause symptoms such as: shortness of breath and a swollen abdomen.

What causes angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma?

Physicians say the causes of AITL are mostly unknown. However, they say, “Like other cancers, it is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.

Vulnerable group

“Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma usually affects people age 50 to 70.,” physicians say; however, Sound Sultan died of the disease at 44.

How long do T cell lymphoma patients live?

According to the online portal, Medscape, patients who have stage IIB disease with cutaneous tumours have a median survival rate of 3.2 years (10-year survival rate of 42 percent); while patients who have stage III disease (generalised erythroderma) have a median survival rate of 4-6 years (10-year survival rate of 83 percent).

An online portal, Cancer, states that the disease tends to involve the lymph nodes and bone marrow as well as the spleen or liver, which can become enlarged.

“People with this lymphoma usually have a fever, weight loss, and skin rashes and often develop infections. This lymphoma often progresses quickly,” the site warns.

Fans, friends, family and well-wishers across the globe will miss him greatly, May his gentle soul rest in Peace. Amen