Notting Hill Carnival: Bristol rapper ‘TKorStretch’ stabbed to death - Who was father-to-be Takayo Nembhard?

Tributes have been pouring in for Bristol drill artist TKorStretch, real name Takayo Nembhard,who died following a stabbing at the Notting Hill Carnival.

In an Instagram post, Nembhard’s manager Chris Patrick reminisced on the first time he met the rapper.

“Two years ago, a young 19-year-old man came from Bristol to meet me at my studio with his dad. His name was Takayo Nembhard AKA TKorStretch.

“That meeting took us on a journey. We recorded some great music together. His talent was endless and I can tell you guys he was close to greatness.

“So it’s with a heavy heart that I bring the news that Takayo passed away last night. He came from Bristol to simply have a good time at the London Carnival and this is the end result,” he said.

The Met Police have launched a murder investigation and has urged anyone with any information to come forward and assist the investigation.

Nembhard was due to be a father, with news after his death emerging that his girlfriend is pregnant with his child.

Oshian Edwards posted on Instagram “Takayo my sweet beautiful boy. All I can ask is why over and over again. You were the most kind-hearted, loving, funny and caring person.

“I’m sat here with sore eyes and a heavy heart as I’ve cried consistently for the last 12 hours while carrying your unborn son.”

Who was Takayo Nembhard?

A native of Hillfields, Takayo Nembhard was a member of Bristol Rovers’ youth team set-up, from the age of seven  until he turned 16.

However, fast forward three years later and Nembhard, going by the stage name TKorStretch, made his tentative steps as a musician in the ever growing UK drill scene.

Considered one of the genre’s promising new artists, Nembhard released his first two singles in 2020 - A.S.O.D in March and a collaboration with producer Ghostface600 in 2020 with Cali Bud.

In 2021, Nembhard released the koto-sample heavy Flamenco Dance, which in turn became remixed with contributors BGody, No Remorse, Young A6, TzGwala, Lucii & Escobars involved in the reworked single.

A constant on YouTube, Nembhard’s final release was a two part release as part of Hardest Bars’ Season Four series of sessions, HB Freestyle - both of which would garner more followers on Spotify with his smooth flows layered over the harsh sound of UK drill.

What happened at Notting Hill Carnival 2022 that led to Takayo Nembhard’s death?

The stabbing of Takayo Nembhard took place in the final hours of the Notting Hill Carnival - the 21 year old was found in Ladbroke Grove, underneath the Westway flyover.

A Met Police statement said: “Officers provided emergency first aid to the victim until the arrival of London Ambulance Service paramedics.

“They were able to extract him through significant crowds in challenging circumstances to a waiting ambulance.

“He was taken to a west London hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead.”

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

So far no one has been arrested over the murder.

On Monday evening, the Met Police announced a Section 60 order was in place within the Notting Hill Carnival area - giving officers stop and search powers - lasting until 01:00 on Tuesday.

"This is following a number of violent incidents and serious stabbings," the force said.

Police said 209 arrests had been made by early Tuesday, including 46 for assault, 36 for possession of drugs, 33 for possession of an offensive weapon, 27 public order offences and eight sexual assaults.