Asake at O2 Arena: Tribute to Brixton crush victims Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson

Afrobeats star Asake paid tribute to the two people killed in a crush at his concert last year during his first UK gig since the tragic event.

Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson died after a crowd surge outside the O2 Academy Brixton in December.

The Nigerian singer paid tribute to the pair with a three minute video at the beginning of his concert at the O2 arena on Sunday night.

The recording, written and performed by poet Aina More, said “we cannot forget" what happened at Brixton.

The poem, underscored with piano, played news coverage of the crush on the screen.

“This is the time and place to organise and recognise. December 15 2022, observe respect where respect is due,” said Aina.

“I don’t know what you’ve been through but let’s hold space for something true.

“A Brixton night took place we cannot forget. I know some feel loss and some regret.

“Some came out that night and ain’t returned, we need to hold this moment.”

Aina said: "Up at 02:30 thinking Gaby Hutchinson could be me. Rest well and be free, rest in peace Rebecca, our sister."

The video ended with an appeal for anyone who had any information about the crush to get in touch with police.

Mother-of-two Rebecca, 33, and security guard Gaby, 23, were seriously injured in the concert crush and both died in hospital days later.

The Met Police investigation is still ongoing and the south London venue has remained closed, with its licence under review by Lambeth Council.

Officers are still appealing for information and say a 21-year-old woman remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Rebecca Ikumelo

Six months after the crush, Rebecca’s mother Yetunde Olodo, father Anthony Ikumelo and aunt Mary Ikumelo, said in a statement: “This has broken us. But we are standing as one, as a family, trusting in the process of justice and trying to be the greatest support for the children that she has left behind.

“Until you go through something like this, you don’t know the importance of how the littlest thing could help. What we would say to anyone who was there, who hasn’t spoken or doesn’t want to speak, it could have been your sister, your cousin, the mother of your child, your daughter. We just ask, please come forward.

“All we want is justice for her, because her life was cut short. We are appealing to anyone with any information, who saw anything, who has any video recording, this is the time to come forward to police.”

Gaby Hutchinson

Gaby’s mother Christina Hutchinson and sister Nina Hutchinson, said: “Mum and Dad have lost their youngest baby, and it’s not something you should ever have to do, putting your daughter to rest before you. As siblings we have lost growing old together. We have lost that because of what happened that night. It has been stolen.

“Christmas will never be the same again. And Gaby’s birthday was New Year’s Eve so we really don’t want to be celebrating New Year’s Eve anymore.

“We want to say to anyone who was there, even if they think they have a minor piece of information, something that they think is irrelevant, could they please, please contact the police. It could be that little bit that fits the puzzle and helps find some answers. It would make a difference to us as a family, because we just need answers. No one should ever go to work and not come home.”