Thu | Mar 28, 2024

Aidonia, wife thank fans; request privacy after son’s passing

Published:Wednesday | December 7, 2022 | 12:08 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
Aidonia
Aidonia
Aidonia and son Khalif.
Aidonia and son Khalif.
 Kimberly gently kisses her son, Khalif.
Kimberly gently kisses her son, Khalif.
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Khalif Lawrence, the nine-year-old son of deejay, Sheldon ‘Aidonia’ Lawrence and his wife Kimberley, died in hospital last Saturday following a three-year battle with cancer. The family is appreciative of the tributes that have been pouring in; however, they are also asking for their privacy to be respected at this challenging time and also emphasise that no interviews will be granted at this time.

The shocking news of the youngster’s passing broke on the weekend when those in the know took to social media to publicly send their condolences.

In a press release from Burke/Bodley Monday night, it was stated that Khalif, who was described as “brave”, had been diagnosed with cancer in August of 2019. Notably, however, neither Aidonia nor his wife has ever taken to social media or any other media to speak publicly about their son’s illness.

Aidonia has posted uplifting messages here and there, including one on October 17, which stated, “Even on the darkest days there’s still hope! #Faith.” This message was against the backdrop of a grey sky with a ray of light beaming through. Then, on November 23, the 4th Genna deejay posted a picture of himself with praying hands and another with his hand partially covering his face, along with the caption: “Ask.Believe.Receive.Faith. God’s Timing!”

Ten days later, young Khalif passed away.

“The brave nine-year-old took his final breath in his parents’ arms,” the release stated.

The press release continued, “One of the most tragic events is the loss of a child and both Sheldon and his wife Kimberly Lawrence are grief-stricken at the loss of their only child.”

TRIBUTES

Since Sunday, there has been a constant outpouring of love for Aidonia from the music fraternity and from fans across the globe.

Bounty Killer called the news “heart-wrenching”.

“Only Jah know how, mi likkle bredda. Life is so unfair bcuz this is extremely heart-wrenching. Youth, can’t question God, but this can be real? Yo, my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and the entire family on both sides,” Bounty said.

Beenie Man’s message was simple, “Condolences to the Lawrence family @aidonia4thgenna @kimberly_megan @lalojop. Sending prayers and strength.”

Shaggy wrote: “My condolences to @aidonia4thgenna and his wife Kimberly ... who lost their only child, Khalif, earlier today... My heart aches for their loss ... It’s unimaginable the loss of a child. Sending prayers.”

Macka Diamond was at a loss. “I’m trying to process this news. Condolences to Aidonia and family,” she wrote, along with a slew of crying and praying hands emojis.

I-Octane was devastated and he wrote: “Me feel it @aidonia4thgenna. Bredda my prayers go up for you and you wife. Sorry Brenda, Well it mi G.”

For DJ Alozade, the news hit on a different level. He, too, is mourning the loss of a child.

“My sincere condolences my Bro. Sorry to hear of your nine-year-old son’s passing. God’s intervention upon you, the mother, likewise the family and beloved friends. Today the 4th Dec marks two months since my three-year-old daughter died and she was buried on Nov/04/22. God is in control. He is the only strength and in God we should put our faith and just trust in Him, because God is still God,” Alozade wrote under a post on Aidonia’s Instagram.

Epican Jamaica wrote on social media: “Our most heartfelt condolences to our brother and brand ambassador Aidonia and his wife Kim as they grieve the loss of their son King Khalif. We are devastated by this terrible new and pray for comfort in this difficult moment.”

In the press release, the family acknowledged the support.

“Khalif’s entire family deeply appreciates your outpouring of prayer, love and support during this their most difficult time. They are also grateful that you will continue to respect their privacy and understand that absolutely no interviews will be granted during this sad time.”

Aidonia, who is a brand ambassador for both Campari Caribbean and Epican Jamaica, emerged on the dancehall scene in 2004 when he got his break as a member of the Bounty Killer-led Alliance. Among his big songs are Hot Tool, Banga, Breeze, Pretty Please, Yeah Yeah, Nuh Boring Gyal, Big Baller (Benzema) and Tip Pon Yuh Toe.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com