Singer Abomé Léléfant, real name Anassin Boris Médard, died at the age of 33 on Monday, May 18. His family confirmed the news and revealed his cause of death was a heart attack, which they said had come as a shock. "We knew he had eye problems. We are shocked by his death, especially the heart attack," they told Linfodrome.

The star who first found fame as the lead singer of the group Fiesta Parade before pursuing pursue a solo career, had been unwell for several weeks. In his last appearances his eyes were noticeably red and he had suffered from eye issues all his life. He had preciously said: "My state of health. I suffer from vision problems that I've had since I was little. A disease called Endemic Tropical Limbo-Conjunctivitis. Hence the redness of my eyes. The tearing, and hyperpigmentation of the bulbar conjunctiva (catarrh). I am being monitored as closely as possible to limit the damage."

He began his career with Fiesta Parade in 2010. In 2017 he left and joined producer DJ Arafat and his label Yôrô Gang. In 2020 he decided to pursue a solo career and his hit singles include Numéro 10 and Solo.

Tributes flooded in for the star as the news became public. The Ivorian Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck posted on Instagram: I learn with sadness the [death of] the singer artist Anassin Boris Médard, aka ABOMÉ Léléfant. My first feelings are those of compassion, pity...I express my sincere condolences to his family, his wife and children whose devastation I can't imagine, to the great family of culture, to all his relatives..."

On Facebook someone else penned: "It is with deep sorrow that we learn of the demise of Abomé Lelefant, an iconic figure in the Ivorian musical and cultural scene. In this difficult time, we send our deepest condolences to his family, relatives and the entire cultural community, deeply affected by this irreparable loss."

A third chimed in: "I wonder why death always takes the good people instead of the bad ones who aren't willing to help others, despite all the millions they have. Even when they decide to help, it's often with a negative ulterior motive. Rest in peace, the artist Abomé the Elephant. May Almighty Allah welcome you into His presence."

A fourth shared: "It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of the musician artist Abomé Léléfant. Powerful voice and generous soul, Abomé Léléfant had found his place at the heart of the great celebrations of the Foundation, putting his good mood, talent and communicative energy to every occasion in the service of children and causes dear to us.

"His departure leaves a huge void in the Ivorian musical landscape and in our hearts. My deepest condolences and assurance of my deepest sympathy to his family, relatives and the entire artistic community. May his soul rest in peace."

A fifth opined: "He spoke a thousand times here about his fragile health, but since he wasn't in a hospital bed, he was constantly criticised, mocked, attacked, and so on. He was truly suffering. I wish it weren't true... but alas. Rest in peace, great artist, especially the most imitated artist, loved by children. It's shocking! Rest in peace, artist."

Meanwhile a sixth lamented: "RIP, old man, and may Allah have mercy on your soul and grant you paradise. You have completed your mission."