Black Eyed Peas stars who performed moments before Vancouver festival tragedy speak out
Members of the Black Eyed Peas, who performed at the Lapu Lapu Day Filipino festival in Vancouver minutes before the deadly attack on Saturday, have released a heartfelt statement to the victims, their families, and community members.
In an Instagram post, Apl.de.Ap and J Rey stated that their “hearts are broken” for everyone affected by the tragic events that occurred on Saturday, April 26.
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The musicians said they had just finished performing on the festival’s main stage, minutes before an SUV plowed into a crowd at the South Vancouver event, killing 11 people and injuring many more.
“It’s hard to describe the shock and heaviness we feel,” they said.
This year’s Lapu Lapu festival was presented in partnership with Hoganās Alley Society and highlighted the shared histories and cultural contributions of both communities by placing a strong emphasis on showcasing Black and Filipino artists.
Apl.de.ap, an American Black and Filipino singer and rapper, is one of the founding members of the six-time Grammy Award-winning group.
J. Rey Soul, who is also Filipino-American and Black, has been a member of the group since 2018, replacing the group’s lead singer, Fergie.
“We came to Vancouver to celebrate and be with our community… devastated beyond words to learn about the tragedy that unfolded. Still in shock. Thoughts and prayers to everyone and all the families affected. Sending love and prayers to all the Filipinos in B.C.,” commented J Rey on the Instagram post.
Both artists asked for members of the public to “keep the victims, their families, and the organizers in your prayers. They will need all the love and strength right now.”
“The one thing I have noticed – from the audience to the messages sent around, is the sense of community that wraps its loving arms around us. We love you all,” concluded Apl.de.ap.
On Sunday, VPD announced that the suspect, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
With files from Kenneth Chan and Daniel ChaiĀ