Popular Liberian dance hall singer Abraham Jabateh – aka ‘Deep Black’ – remembered as music legend after Adelaide Hills crash
Abraham Jabateh was an African refugee who came to Adelaide and became a household name within his Liberian community. Tragically, the father died after he crashed his truck in the Adelaide Hills on Monday.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Man killed after concrete truck rollover in Adelaide Hills
Leave your tributes to Mr Jabateh below
Australia’s Liberian community has been left shattered after one of its most well-known members died in a horrific crash in the Adelaide Hills on Monday.
Abraham Jabateh, 30, of Parafield Gardens, rolled his truck and crashed into a tree on Spring Gully Road at Piccadilly just before 1pm. He died at the scene.
Mr Jabateh, better-known by his stage name ‘Deep Black’, was an African refugee who came to Adelaide and established himself as a household name among the Liberian community.
The loving husband and young father worked for a concrete company while chasing his dreams of building a full-time music career.
He amassed more than 25,000 fans on Facebook for his talented “dance hall” style of music.
Prince Kpadeh, a close friend of six years and the co-ordinator of the Liberian Youth Community of SA, said Mr Jabateh was “full of life” and had fans all across the world.
“He was energetic and he made people laugh because he joked with everybody,” Mr Kpadeh told The Advertiser.
“He made so many friends because he was so jovial and made jokes with anybody.”
Mr Kpadeh also remembered his mate as a devoted “family man” who loved to make music.
“Everybody listened to him and liked him for his music,” he said.
“He was an established household name in terms of his music career and contributing to the community.”
Mr Jabateh was employed with Hi Mix Concrete. Manager Tony Romano said the incident had “shocked and distressed” his co-workers.
“Abraham was a positive, vibrant young man that was well loved by everyone,” Mr Romano said.
“We are co-operating fully with SA Police and SafeWork SA, who attended the scene soon after the accident to investigate.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of (Mr Jabateh) at this terribly sad time.”
Social media was flooded with thousands of posts paying tribute to Mr Jabateh after news of his death broke on Monday.
“We lost our brother Deep Black, one of the talented Liberian hit makers in Australia is dead … what a sad world,” one social media post said.
Another post labelled him as the “dance hall king”.
“We say sorry Deep Black, go in peace, we will miss you … our deepest condolence to the family,” the post said.
Social media activity shows he celebrated his 30th birthday less than two weeks ago.
In April, Mr Jabateh and his wife welcomed a newborn girl at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.
Local podcaster Randy Doe Jr hosted a live video in memory of the singer.
More than 10,000 viewers tuned in from around the world and posted many heartfelt comments.
“This a tragedy for the entire Liberian community in Australia,” one person said.
“My condolences to the family. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Love one another in life and don’t wait for death to show love,” another said.
Another post said his “legacy will live forever. Go and rest Deep Black”.
Music promoter Mr RED Promo wrote on Facebook: “Another lost in the Liberia industry … May his glorious soul rest in peace. We miss you super star Deep Black”.
