Black Vulcanite

Namibian rapper Alain ‘AliThatDude’ Villet, aged 37, a member of the internationally acclaimed hip-hop group Black Vulcanite, was found dead on Saturday, 25 January 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM, in his residence on Troupant Street, Hochland Park.

Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, public relations officer of the Namibian Police, reported that Villet was discovered in his room with a belt around his neck, in a seated position. A note reading “I’m sorry” was found at the scene. His mother, who was present in the house, found him, attempted to remove the belt, and contacted E-Med Rescue. Paramedics declared him dead at approximately 1:31 PM. The body has been transported to the police mortuary, and the next of kin have been informed.

Alain ‘AliThatDude’ Villet

Alain Villet was a pivotal figure in Black Vulcanite, a Namibian hip-hop trio also comprising Mark Mushiva and Nikolai ‘Okin’ Tjongarero.

The group gained prominence with their debut single, “I Hope They Write,” which received significant airplay on South African radio stations. Their subsequent single, “Fallen Sun,” further established their reputation as a leading African hip-hop act. In November 2013, they released their anticipated EP, “Remember The Future,” featuring these singles alongside 13 additional tracks.

In 2016, Black Vulcanite released their first studio album, “Black Colonialists,” a 19-track project centered around Afrofuturism. The album’s cover art featured African heroes such as Steve Biko, Nora Schimming-Chase, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Daniel Tjongarero Sr., Thomas Sankara, Niko Bessinger, Hendrik Witbooi, and Mandume ya Ndemufayo. The group collaborated with producers like Maloon The Boom, BeatSlangers, and Chris-Tronix, and included features from award-winning duo Star Dust on tracks like “Brazil” and “Waiting for God”.

Black Vulcanite’s music was known for its conscious themes, addressing topics such as racial injustice, poverty, and sexism. Their song “Reparations” discussed the early 20th-century Herero and Namaqua genocide in Namibia, while “How To Rap About Africa” examined the continent’s complexities and challenges. The group’s lyrical depth and musical versatility earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

The Namibian music community mourns the loss of Alain Villet, remembering his contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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