Brixton Academy: Four critical after suspected crush at Asake gig

Eight people have been taken to hospital, with four in a critical condition, after a suspected crush during a concert in south London.

Police were called to the Brixton O2 Academy at 21:35 GMT on Thursday, during a gig by afro-pop singer Asake.

Officers were responding to reports of a large number of people trying to force their way into the venue.

A number of people were found with injuries believed to have been caused by crushing, police said.

An investigation has been launched and cordons remain in place at the venue on Stockwell Road. No arrests have been made.

The gig was abandoned part-way through. It was the third of three sold-out shows the Nigerian singer, sometimes known as Mr Money, had performed in Brixton.

Social media footage shows a large crowd building up outside the venue, with one person claiming on Twitter that more than 1,000 people had turned up without tickets.

Cdr Ade Adelekan from the Metropolitan Police said the scene will be examined by specialist officers as part of an investigation which will be “as thorough and as forensic as necessary”.

He said: “This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.”

The fact that this venue is opposite Brixton police station partly explains the swift police response last night.

In the icy first morning light there are plenty of officers here, but they are outnumbered by birds feasting on the rubbish strewn across Stockwell Road.

Underneath a ‘sold out’ sign, the metal railings scattered across the pavement bear testament to what must have been a chaotic scene yesterday evening.

The Met’s directorate of professional standards will view all material, including body worn video footage from the officers at the scene, Scotland Yard said.

Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, was nominated for BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023 award.

He had been described on the venue’s website as “one of the hottest breakout stars from Nigeria” and is touring his debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe.

Born and raised in Lagos State, his songs are part of the Nigerian street-pop subgenre that blends Afrobeats with Amapiano, pop melodies and street-smart rap lyrics.

He had a break-out hit in 2020 with his single Lady.

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