Polish music circles have bid farewell with great sadness to Damian Krępa, better known as Bas Tajpan. The artist, considered a pioneer of Polish reggae music, died on 16 July 2025 after a long and difficult battle with cancer. He was 47 years old.
An artist at the crossroads of reggae and hip-hop
Bas Tajpan was born in and was connected his whole life with Dąbrowa Górnicza. In his rich body of work he combined reggae, hip-hop and raggamuffin styles, collaborating with many well-known performers such as Peja, Paluch, Fokus, Hemp Gru and Firma. He was known not only as a lyricist and vocalist, but also as a solo artist and a member of several groups, including 13 Chilli Pół Fuksa and Ushat Sound System. His cult recordings include, among others, the track ”Nowy Protest”. Beyond music, Bas Tajpan was also a well-known enthusiast of Lego bricks. He took part in the programme ”Lego Masters”, where he placed second.
Among those who paid tribute to the artist was Peja:
foto: https://www.instagram.com/pejaslumsattack/
A long struggle with illness
He began his fight against cancer several years ago. The illness kept him away from the artistic scene for a time, but last year Bas Tajpan returned with new recordings and concerts. In January 2024 he spoke himself about his lung disease and treatment, with the humour and optimism characteristic of him. Unfortunately, despite his hope and commitment to treatment, the illness returned suddenly and gave him no chance.
The Mayor of Dąbrowa Górnicza, Marcin Bazylak, who officially announced the artist’s death, stressed Bas Tajpan’s great heart and commitment to the life of the city: ,,He was not only a talented musician, but above all a good man who always supported others and engaged in activities for the benefit of the community. He left behind a trace of goodness, empathy and love” – he wrote.
Komentarze