Kuala Lumpur: Local rapper and a member of the music group Nico G, Nico, died in his sleep in Kampung Baru here at about 11 pm yesterday. He was 52. The death of Nico, whose real name is Abdul Fashah Abdul Aziz, was confirmed by Nico G member Affa when contacted.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Affa stated, "Yesterday, at about 11 pm, Nico lost consciousness after stopping by a friend's house in Kampung Baru. He was unresponsive when his friend tried to wake him." Affa further noted that Nico's body has been taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a post-mortem, with the cause of death yet to be determined. The family is awaiting the results of the post-mortem today.

Affa reflected on his last conversation with Nico, which took place about two months ago, as both were occupied with work and family commitments. Nico's body will be taken to Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru for funeral prayers and will be laid to rest at the Jalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery once the post-mortem is completed.

Meanwhile, the Seniman secretary-general expressed that the country's creative industry has lost a singer. The organisation, representing artistes, conveyed its condolences to Nico's family, recognizing his passing as Allah's will. They extended their prayers that he is placed among the righteous.

Nico rose to fame in the early 1990s with the group Nico, alongside Affa and Dino, gaining recognition with the song Inilah Nasibku in 1993. The trio released their debut album Buatan Los Angeles, followed by Realiti in 1995 and Alamak! in 1996. The group made a comeback in 2003 with the album Ops Kecoh, which introduced new member Ezad. The group later rebranded as Nico G to mark a new phase in their musical journey.