Kokoi Baldo. Image: Facebook/Litratiks via Kokoi Baldo Official
Reggae singer Kokoi Baldo, one of the finalists of “The Voice Philippines Season 2” in 2015, died after figuring in a vehicular accident in Bacolod on Friday, Dec. 8.
“It is with a heavy heart to inform the public, especially the fans, that Kokoi Baldo has passed away earlier this morning,” his wife, Sam, announced through the singer’s official Facebook page.
“We kindly ask for privacy during this hard time in respect to his family and friends,” she requested, adding that updates on Baldo’s death will be shared through his page. “He will be missed, loved and forever in our hearts.”
In a separate post, Sam appealed to the public to refrain from sharing photos from the accident. “I am humbly asking everyone to take down the posts pertaining to my husband, Kokoi Baldo’s accident scene as it is already causing distress to our entire family.”
Baldo’s “The Voice” coach, singer-actress Sarah Geronimo, paid tribute to the reggae singer via her Instagram page.
“Maraming salamat at ibinahagi mo sa amin ang talento mo sa musika.. Marami po akong natutunan sa inyo lalo na ang prinsipyo niyo sa buhay,” Geronimo wrote. “Maraming salamat Sir Kokoi. May your soul rest in God’s presence.”
(Thank you for sharing with us your talent in music. I learned a lot from you, especially your principle in life. Thank you so much, Sir Kokoi. May your soul rest in God’s presence.)
Aside from his “The Voice” stint, Baldo—who was dubbed by his fans as the “Philippines’ Bob Marley”—also won the ABS-CBN reality competition “Your Moment” along with his rock reggae band Juan Gapang.
