Popular brand promoter, Kelvin Akparanta, popularly referred to as Calabar “Man Ashawo” and “Kelvinkul” is dead.
CONVERSEER gathered that Akparanta died on Monday, 8th April 2024 from an illness in Calabar. He was admitted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, and was said to be active and lively on Saturday until Monday when he gave up the ghost.
His former classmate at the University of Calabar, Biochemistry Class of 2014, Daniel Eyong confirmed Akparanta’s death, saying, “I confirmed just now, Kelvin is no more.”
Akparanta’s death has been everywhere on Social Media with leading industry experts mourning the Business Executive, Media Personality, Brand Strategist, Arts Enthusiast, and Philanthropist.
Comedian Koboko who has been with Akparanta in thick and thin took to Facebook on Monday morning to mourn in two different posts, one “Why” and the other with a picture of a candlelight burning in the dark with a sad emoji as caption. Adding, “I can’t even celebrate well, how do I post a sold out show without you (KelvinKul). You’re the power house of my career after God. God I no dey think normal at all, who we offend?”
Singer, Challex D Boss, wrote, “Rest in power Kelvin Akparanta”, adding in his Facebook story, “Twas with you night before ur démise, spoke to you, told you I’ll come back the next day with a bag of stuff and all I saw was ur lifeless body – mehn bro life’s sh*t hurt am hurt and angry but rest well bro, u was one of the few guys who supported me all the way, God rest ur soul brother.”
Singer and Rapper, Upper X Ekpenyong, also shared a broken heart with Kelvin Akparanta’s name.
Event Production & Manager and Artist Booking, Charles Simon, aka SengeMenge, wrote: “Sad reality. Life is really empty. KelvinKul Good night my bro.”
Singer, Internationalboy Silver, also posted a dark photo to mourn Akparanta.
Graphics Designer, AB Jnr, wrote: “May The Angels Guide you Home Kelvin Akparanta – Big bro had plans.”
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Blessing Udosen also wrote, “Waking up to such a sad news, what happened Kelvin Akparanta, your last seen was 22hrs ago”.
Victor Nice wrote, “What’s life after all this struggle and you no enjoy am. Rest on blood Kelvin Akparanta.”
Ahm Diamond Okpo wrote, “Kelvin Akparanta – The story U added yesterday hasn’t even expired but u are gone. Rest well.”
Just a few years ago, Akparanta lost his sister, Nenye Akparanta, who died on the 9th of January 2021, writing her a tribute, saying, “Never thought I’d lose you at an early age, But here I am, We’re bonded for life, But now you’re gone, I don’t know what to do, I’m trying to hold on, To keep strong, But it just doesn’t feel right, I’m waiting here, My arms wide open, Tears running down my face, Ready for your return, Even if it takes forever, Nenye.”
CONVERSEER reports that Akparanta, a Nigerian Business Executive, Media Personality, Brand Strategist, Arts Enthusiast, and Philanthropist with over 9 years of professional experience across various industries, created and managed lots of brands and individuals, including Box411 Media, Lahor Studios, Comedian Coboko, Miss Africa Calabar, Active Code, Internationalboy Silver, Kwikie, Bulavaad, Brix Lounge Calabar, Hotel 45, TFG, TR Academy, and many others.
Akparanta who started as a graphic designer, music blogger and promoter in Calabar, Cross River State capital during his university days, has produced and acted movies and short films as well as written innovative books.
One of his movies, Man Ashawo, made the limelight in 2020 and was streamed across various social media and on Cinema in Calabar.
His book, Personal Branding
& Digital Marketing, released on 12th December 2020, has changed a lot of lives, creating jobs for young people in the Digital Marketing sector.
His foundation, Amber Kelvin Foundation, named after his daughter, is a non-profit organisation aimed at improving the lives of less privileged children.
Kelvin Akparanta holds a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Calabar. He graduated in 2014.
In 2015, he started Box411, where before his death, provided strategic leadership as the Executive Chairman of Africa’s No. 1 Agency in Branding and Digital Marketing operating in Nigeria. In his role, he steered Box411 on a path of sustained competitive advantage through a focus on quality efficiency, innovation and customer responsiveness.
Akparanta also served as a Director on the board of Active Code Business Hub, Nigeria’s apex Forex, Blockchain and ICT Company. He brought his enthusiasm for innovation and transformation to drive productivity and profitability for both organisations.
His latest brand, Lahor Studios which has a Gospel section, has been in the limelight for promoting upcoming and established music talents from across Nigeria. It is located in Lagos.
