Mystery of talented musicians who die at 27

The world of music was thrown into grief following the death of multi-talented British musician Amy Winehouse.

Outside the UK, Winehouse was known more for the wrong reasons — she was drowned in a world of drugs and alcohol.

Her death echoes that of South African diva Brenda Fassie in 2004.

Like her, she oozed talent but was hooked to substance abuse. And just like Brenda, Amy struggled to kick the habit, in and out of rehab centres.

Winehouse’s death at 27 years continues the trend of talent smothered by recklessness.

Similar cases include those of Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones — all of whom died aged 27; a sort of a 27 Club.

Drinking habits

There was concern among friends and peers of Winehouse over her drinking , with reports that she had on several occasions been found drunk, starving and high on drugs.

Kenyan musicians and fans joined the world in mourning the music star. Speaking to the Nation on Sunday, Kenyan Afro-musician Achieng’ Abura noted the loss of a great talent.

“Her music brought in that old soulful jazzy music, blending it with modern times to give it fresh air,” said Achieng’.

But, she added, her death is a wake up call to music stars who may be hooked on drugs. “It’s unfortunate she didn’t get help when she needed it,” she said.

Similarly Suzanne Gachukia, a leading Kenyan producer and musician, regretted Winehouse’s death.

“The death of Winehouse paints a gloomy picture of the many young musicians who lack direction and support, having made it to the top,” she said.

Suzanne of the Zanaziki band fame also recalled how Winehouse’s music was inspiring to people of all ages. “She had a refreshing beat,” Suzanne said.

Winehouse, a singer-songwriter was known for her powerful vocals, blending R&B, soul and jazz. Her debut 2003 debut album, Frank, was successful in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.

Her next album Back to Black done in 2006, led to six Grammy nominations and five wins.

She will be remembered as the first British singer to win five Grammys, including three of the Big Four: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Best British Album

Another cap to her chequered musical career was on February 14, 2007 when she won a Brit Award for Best British Female Artist. Later she was nominated for the Best British Album.

Her controversial lifestyle included her and her former husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, being plagued by legal battles that saw him serve a prison term.

In 2008, Winehouse faced a series of health complications. Photographs caught her unsteady on her feet or vacant-eyed. She recently appeared unhealthily thin, with scars on her face and marks on her arms.

The cause of Winehouse’s death on Saturday at her home in London “was yet unexplained” according to police.

Winehouse went into rehab several times — most recently this year, just weeks before she embarked on what was to be a 12-day European comeback tour.

But she pulled out following a disastrous opening performance in Serbia on June 18 when she was booed on stage, apparently too drunk to sing.