Takayo Nembhard: Former teacher pays tribute to ‘liked and respected’ rapper killed at Notting Hill Carnival

The former teacher of Bristol drill artist TKorStretch - real name Takayo Nembhard - has paid tribute to the rapper who was stabbed to death at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Takayo and his girlfriend, Oshian Edwards, were expecting their first child and their baby boy is due in November. But on Monday, the 21-year-old was killed in an attack, and a murder investigation was launched.

Takayo was also a popular student at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common and his head of house has also paid tribute.

Teacher Mr Davey said: “As a caring, good-humoured and intelligent student, Takayo was an excellent House Captain for Sir Bernard Lovell Academy, liked and respected by both staff and students.

“In 20 years of teaching, I can think of few students who have left a more positive impression than Takayo.

“I, as his former teacher and Head of House, and we as an Academy, are deeply saddened by his passing.”

Also paying tribute to the young man, who served an apprenticeship at Bristol City Council, was Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees.

In a tweet, the Bristol Mayor said: “Thinking of Oshian and Takayo’s family and friends at this difficult, awful time.

“Takayo worked for Bristol Council as a plumbing apprentice for almost four years before leaving to focus on music, and is in the thoughts of our staff today.”

The 21-year-old was best known for his music. He had more than 300,000 plays on one of his songs on Spotify and nearly 11,000 monthly listeners.

He was also a talented footballer, having been part of the academy at Bristol Rovers from the age of seven to 16.

The Metropolitan Police has launched a murder investigation following Mr Nembhard’s death. Officers were called to reports of a stabbing under the Westway flyover in Ladbroke Grove at about 8pm on Monday.

First aid treatment was given to Mr Nembhard and he was taken to hospital, where he later died.