Theophilus Tagoe, popularly known as Castro Under Fire or simply Castro, was a renowned Ghanaian hiplife recording artist and musician who left an indelible mark on the music scene. Born on May 1, 1982, in Takoradi, Ghana, to Lydia Tagoe, a trader, and Mr. Cofie, an accountant, Castro's journey from a young talent to a national icon is both inspiring and tragic.
Castro attended the All Saints Anglican Primary School and began singing at the very young age of 10. He entered the musical scene with his 2003 hit song "Sradenam". Before he launched his debut album in 2003, he had features on hip-life group 4x4 hit track, “Sikletele” which officially introduced him into the local music scene.
Castro was a very good friend of Ghanaian footballer, Asamoah Gyan, with whom he recorded three albums. Their song "African Girls" was an instant hit.
Musical Achievements and Awards
Castro's impact on Ghanaian music is evident through the awards he received:
Read also: Ghana's Hiplife Star Vanishes
- In 2006, he won the Hiplife Artiste of the Year as well as the Hiplife Album of the Year, with his song "Toffee".
- In 2011, he won the Best Hiplife Song of the Year which featured Asamoah Gyan with the song "African Girls".
The Ghanaian musician Castro, one of Afrobeats' biggest stars.
What Are Cristian Castro's Most Recent Projects? - Latin Music Revolution
The Unfortunate Incident at Ada Estuary
On 6 July 2014, Castro and Miss Janet Bandu were reported to have drowned following a jet ski accident in Ada Estuary while on holiday with the Gyan brothers. The jet ski involved in the accident was recovered on the same day of their disappearance but their bodies had not been recovered, despite a search by the police.
Recounting events surrounding Castro's disappearance, Gyan said: "That was the first time they went to Aqua Safari and that in the previous years, they went to Akosombo. That particular year, the yacht at Akosombo was broken down so they decided to go to Ada. Before going to Ada, they called to find out if they could get a bigger yacht because, their friends always organised to bring their lady friends so as to make the party fun, so they were told they could get two yachts at Ada. Castro called me a week before I returned to Ghana and said he may not be able to go with us since a friend of his was bereaved, and he had to attend the funeral in Kumasi. A day before we went to Ada, he [Castro] came to my house and said he was on his way to Kumasi and would not join us. But whilst we were on our way to Ada, on the Accra-Tema motorway, we received a phone call that "Under" [Castro] wants us to wait for him. We parked at a fuel filling station where a crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of me. I later got the inclination it was destined to happen because he was initially not part of the trip. When we got to Ada, everything went fine. We were to spend three days. We started using the Jet Ski on the second day."
Read also: Baskets from Ghana
Reports reaching Peacefmonline.com has it that renowned Hiplife Musician, Castro has drowned in the Ada Estuary. Unconfirmed reports say he died while trying to save a female friend from drowning at the Aqua Safari resort.
The entire area has been cordoned off with the Marine Unit of the Ghana Police Service leading the rescue opertaion. Castro hails from Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana.
Castro's body was never recovered, and on July 6, 2021, he was officially and legally declared dead.
Legacy
Castro's dream was to retire and become a producer. His vision was to help bring talented hidden young artiste to limelight.
His remix of Sarkodie's track Adonai is currently No 1 on DJ Edu's 1Xtra Destination Africa chart."My thoughts go out to Castro, his friends & family!" tweeted Tinchy Stryder, who has previously performed with Castro. "Words can't even explain the shock I got when I heard the news!
Read also: Ghanaian Business Profile: Franko Trading
Popular articles:
tags: #Ghana
