Shockwaves in the German Rap Scene: The Tragic Demise of Xatar
Shock sweeps through German hip-hop community following the passing of Xatar, prominent rapper
In the realm of German hip-hop, sorrow and shock reverberate following the premature departure of the iconic gangster rapper, Xatar (real name: Giwar Hajabi). On a chilling Thursday evening, he was discovered lifeless in an apartment within his residing city of Cologne, as confirmed by the local public prosecutor's office the following day. The Iranian-born Kurd, who was 43 years old, leaves behind his spouse, Farvah, and, as per "Bild" newspaper, five offspring.
Since word of his death has spread, numerous German hip-hop luminaries have expressed their sentiments on social media platforms. Haftbefehl, an Offenbach rapper, remarked, "Words fail me, my brother. I hope you’re in a better place now. My deepest condolences to the family. Legends never die."
Shirin David, a popular rapper and singer, expressed her sorrow on Instagram: "We love you Giwar forever," accompanied by a post comment, "It’s not just an incomprehensible rapper who has gone, but an incomprehensibly good person, and that hurts the most."
Marina Buzunashvilli, Xatar’s former promoter, shared a heartfelt Instagram story: "Until we meet again." Similarly, her colleague Fler paid homage to Xatar on Instagram, stating, "A true German rap legend has passed away... Xatar embodied unparalleled style, aesthetics, genuine hip-hop, and gangster charisma.”
A Life Marred by Crime and Glory
The nexus of drugs and violence shadowed Xatar's life. His fame, both musical and criminal, resonated throughout the nation. In 2009, he masterminded a daring gold transport heist, accompanied by three associates disguised as police officers and tax inspectors, fleeing to Iraq in the wake of the crime. There, he was apprehended, and as he asserted, subjected to torture. Following his deportation to Germany, he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, serving about five years of his term.
Xatar forged his musical career within prison walls. He swiftly rose to stardom in the German rap scene, with his albums consistently gracing the top of the charts. Xatar cultivated the image of the villainous gangster, embodying it to the core. His tempestuous life was depicted in Fatih Akin's film "Rheingold" (broadcast on RTL ), an adaptation of the autobiographical novel "Alles oder Nix." Besides his own music career, he orchestrated multiple record labels and founded his own shisha bar and snack bar as an entrepreneur.
Elusive Circumstances Surrounding Death
Following the rapper's demise, the Cologne public prosecutor’s office took up a so-called death investigation. They aim to ascertain whether a criminally relevant external factor was involved. Contrary to initial suspicions, no signs of external violence were discovered, as the authority put forth. The investigations, which involve an autopsy, are currently underway.
A chemical-toxicological report has been commissioned, though reliable insights may take several weeks to conclude, as per the public prosecutor's office.
As reported by "Rolling Stone", Xatar has allegedly been battling health issues lately. In 2021, the artist reportedly encountered a health crisis. Subsequently, he announced he would take a day off each week in the future. Furthermore, he revealed he had shed 50 kilograms due to health concerns, as expressed by his doctor.
Sources: ntv.de, gut/spot
- Hip-Hop
- Germany
- Music
- Criminal Activity
- Death
- Cologne
- Berlin
- The German rap community is mourning the confirmed death of Xatar, a well-known gangster rapper, who was found lifeless in his Cologne apartment.
- In the wake of Xatar's passing, numerous fellow German hip-hop artists have taken to social media to express their condolences, with Haftbefehl and Shirin David among them.
- Xatar, whose real name was Giwar Hajabi, was 43 years old and leaves behind his spouse, Farvah, and five children, as per the "Bild" newspaper.
- The Cologne public prosecutor’s office has taken up a death investigation to determine whether there was a criminally relevant external factor involved in Xatar's demise.
- Rumors suggest that Xatar had been battling health issues, with reports indicating he lost 50 kilograms due to health concerns as advised by his doctor.
