Asake, an afrobeats artist, said he is “pray[ing]” for four fans who are battling for their lives following the violence that erupted during his sold-out performance at the Brixton O2 Academy yesterday night.
‘Crushing injuries’ caused by what looked to be a stampede to enter the performance, which was abandoned halfway through, left four individuals in a severe state.
Following claims that some attempted to enter the stadium without tickets, fans and police were seen fighting outside the venue.
The 27-year-old Nigerian musician and singer-songwriter tweeted this morning that his “heart is with those who were harmed last night.”
My heart is with those who were hurt last night and suffered any kind of hardship, Asake posted on Instagram. I wish you speedy recovery.
“I am also in the process of contacting folks,” she said.
A guy was seen being dragged down stairs on camera, while another was seen being put in a headlock after punching an officer in the face.
Another video that was posted online showed hundreds of people attempting to squeeze through the small entryways as one partygoer can be heard exclaiming, “This is very hazardous.”
The Brixton O2 Academy on Stockwell Road was where police were summoned at 9.35 p.m., when they discovered many persons with “injuries suspected to have been caused by crushing.”
Detectives have initiated an immediate investigation and there have been no arrests, however cordons are still in place at the O2 Academy this morning.
Asake continued by saying that he had still not gotten a thorough explanation from the venue management as to what caused the commotion at the Brixton O2 Academy entrance.
We are grateful that everything ended in peace, he said.
“I apologize for cutting off my performance too soon for my audience who appreciated the first part.
“I want to thank London for your incredible affection. Too much love to you! In a little while, I want to see you again.
In the video, he said: “Police have requested us to close the performance due to security.” We apologize, but neither we nor the promoter are to blame for this. This is simply… listen to what I am saying.’
Then he hands the microphone to another person, telling the audience to depart “the same way you came in” and promising them a refund on their ticket.
In a different video, the audience inside the venue can be heard booing as the stage announces that the performance is over.
The performance, in which Asake was travelling in support of his first album Mr. Money With The Vibe, was cut short.
The Nigerian artist, who had the breakout single Lady in 2020, had three sold-out performances at the Brixton music venue, which has a standing capacity of 5,000 people, before this one.
The artist tweeted followers on Sunday to beg them not to go the O2 Academy without a ticket, adding that it was sold out and no tickets will be available at the door.
According to a neighbor who lives close to the O2 Academy, police were called when the concert was postponed.
‘I saw everyone at the front entrance of Brixton Academy, (then) everything just stopped,’ said John, 32, who refused to disclose his last name.
“It seemed as if the concert had been postponed, and then there was a ruckus, some shoving, and the cops arrived soon after.” That is when it began.
You could sense there was tension, he continued.
The local said that someone seeking to enter the O2 smashed the entrance doors’ glass.
According to him, there was a lot of pushing and shoving going on outside the Brixton Academy as people attempted to force through the entrance.
“The doors’ glass was smashed,” was said.
Ade Adelekan, the gold commander for the Met Police, called the event “very disturbing” and asked any witnesses who had not yet spoken to police to do so.
I am aware that videos are being circulated on social media, Mr. Adelekan said. I would advise individuals to exercise caution when sharing information and to refrain from posting anything that would distress those who have been impacted by this occurrence.
Police officers who have used force are aware that they must take responsibility for their conduct. The Body Worn Video video from the cops on the scene will be viewed by the Directorate of Professional Standards at The Met.
I can confirm that no police dogs were stationed at the scene, in regard to a video that has been extensively circulated.
‘So the cops have sealed off Asake and have left a number of people in an alley in the freezing cold,’ the individual who posted the footage said.
A lady is spotted arguing with a Metropolitan Police officer at another location. Four other police soon surround her and drag her to the ground.
Another horrific video shows a lady fighting with a policeman at the top of a set of concrete steps at the entrance to the venue before the cop throws her down the stairs.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said on Twitter that the event at Brixton Academy left him “heartbroken” and that his “thoughts are with all those touched by it.”
For further information, MailOnline has reached out to the O2 Academy and Asake’s representatives.
According to the London Ambulance Service, they received a call at 10:06 p.m. at the Brixton 02 Academy.
Ten individuals received medical attention on the scene; eight of them were taken to the hospital, and two were released.
According to Lambeth Police, there were reports of several injuries at the O2 Academy in Brixton after a sizable crowd attempted to enter without tickets.
“Four patients at the hospital are in serious condition.” Officers will stay in the area to reassure people.
Call 101 with reference to 6725/15Dec if any witnesses have not yet spoken to the police.
Also encouraged to get in touch with @MetCC on Twitter if they have any mobile phone video that might help the police.
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