9 hours ago
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Musicians who performed at the Filipino festival in Vancouver on Saturday spoke out on the “horrific tragedy” when a 30-year-old driver allegedly plowed through the crowd, killing several people.
Vancouver native Kaya Ko kicked off the Lapu Lapu Day block party’s main stage performances just before 1 p.m. Saturday — seven hours before the deadly incident rocked the Canadian city.
“I’m sending all of my love and prayers out to the families that are affected. My heart is broken,” the artist wrote on her Instagram story. “How can we come together as a community after this… So much to process. Send your prayers.
Kaya Ko, whose name means “I can” in Tagalog, called the deadly event a “massacre” that affected many people in the Filipino community.
“This was not an accident. This was a massacre,” the vocalist added. “I am at a loss for words. Praying that everyone is taken care of and praying for the souls, lives taken and families affected by this terrible crime.”
A 30-year-old male driver drove a black SUV onto East 43rd Street and Fraser Street where food truck vendors were cleaning up after the block party ended.
The driver, identified as a Vancouver man, plowed into the crowd of festivalgoers still in the area, killing several and injuring many others, Vancouver Acting Police Chief Steve Rai said.
Rai didn’t provide the exact numbers of fatalities or injured, saying it would be “unfair to speculate.”
R&B singer Nikkaela took the festival’s main stage after Kaya Ko.
“I’m outraged and speechless. People who were at Lapu Lapu I hope that you are safe and that you are well and okay. Praying for all of those affected by this and praying for you with my whole heart.”
The block party, in its second year, brought together Filipino and Canadian artists for the festival celebrating Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu.
It was headlined by Black Eyed Peas founding member apl.de.ap and J Rey Soul.
Nigerian-born singer Sade Awele was the fourth musical act who performed just after 3 p.m.
“I am lost for words because this was such a beautiful celebration of Filipino culture and it brought the Vancouver community together in a very special way. Been in tears since I found out,” she wrote.
“To my Filipino friends, please let me know how I can support during this time. Just in shock,” Awele added.
Singer Wavyfay recalled the “vibrant joyful atmosphere” she experienced during her own performance and said the memory was left “stained at the hands of another human being.”
Festival organizers reacted to the violence without confirming any more details police provided.
“To our community, we are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy. We are devastated for the families and victims,” Filipino BC, the group that put on the festival, wrote on Instagram.
Hip hop artist Talilo and headliners J Rey Soul and Black Eyed Peas founding member apl.de.ap have not reacted to the fatal incident.
English (US)