The music industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Grammy Award-winning producer Sidney Omen Brown, who passed away at the age of 49.

According to reports from TMZ, Brown’s body was discovered on September 13, 2025, in his Harlem apartment. His death came to light after a colleague raised concern when he failed to show up for work, prompting his family to check on him. The New York City medical examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death, which remains unknown at this time.

Omen Brown was a highly respected figure in global music, known for shaping the sound of some of the world’s biggest artists. Over the years, he worked closely with Beyoncé, contributing to her 2013 track Mine featuring Drake, as well as her groundbreaking 2016 album Lemonade, particularly on songs like Hold Up and Sorry. He also collaborated with Drake on Shut It Down in 2009, co-wrote and produced Tell It Like It Is for Ludacris on the Grammy-winning album Release Therapy, and added his touch to Rihanna’s chart-topping hit Work from her 2016 album Anti. His influence further extended to The Weeknd and Lil Wayne, with his ability to fuse genres leaving a lasting mark on the industry.

Beyond his music career, Brown valued education deeply. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Music from Amherst College in 2013 before pursuing a Master’s degree in Theological Studies at Boston University, which he completed in 2016.

Brown, the son of Martha Brown, leaves behind a legacy of innovation, versatility, and inspiration that spanned more than two decades. His unexpected passing has left both fans and colleagues reflecting on the powerful imprint he made on modern music.

Drake and Beyoncé Producer Sidney 'Omen' Brown Dead at 49 https://t.co/SUStUU6uPv pic.twitter.com/elpcweuPJG

— TMZ (@TMZ) September 16, 2025

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South African star Tyla and Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr will join a high-profile lineup at this year's Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on September 27 in New York City's Central Park. The event will be headlined by The Weeknd and Shakira, and hosted by long-time Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman.

The festival continues Global Citizen's mission to end extreme poverty and drive action on global issues. This year, the campaign is focused on providing energy access for one million people on the African continent, ensuring quality education for 30,000 children worldwide, and protecting 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. The festival will also push to recruit 40,000 volunteers across New York City.

Tyla, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, is riding high after a breakout year that saw her single "Water" become a global hit. Her appearance at the Global Citizen Festival marks another significant milestone in her growing international career.

Ayra Starr, one of Nigeria's most prominent voices in the new wave of Afrobeats, will also take the stage. Known for her chart-topping hits like "Rush" and her boundary-pushing style, the artist continues to gain traction across global markets. Both artists represent a younger generation of African talent reaching broader audiences while staying grounded in their cultural roots.

Their participation in the festival reflects Global Citizen's growing attention to Africa as a central part of its advocacy. One of the campaign's core goals this year is to help bring clean and affordable energy to communities across the continent. Through its Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign, Global Citizen plans to raise $1.5 billion to train 50,000 young workers in solar installation, grid maintenance, and other essential energy services. The initiative could provide reliable electricity to over a million people, while also supporting jobs and reducing emissions.

In a statement, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said: "Ending extreme poverty is within our reach – but only if we come together to ensure governments and corporations deliver on their promises: scaling up renewable energy, protecting the Amazon, and investing in education for the next generation."

Tickets to the festival are free and can be earned by taking action on Global Citizen's app or website. These include signing petitions, emailing world leaders, or volunteering time to local causes.

Since its inception, Global Citizen has helped secure $49 billion in commitments, positively impacting the lives of more than a billion people. With artists like Tyla and Ayra Starr on board, the 2025 edition brings Africa even closer to the heart of this global movement.