TRIBUTES have been paid to an aspiring rapper who died after a fatal stabbing in Colchester.

Alinjavwa Siwale died as a result of his injuries following the incident in Affleck Road, Greenstead, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Essex Police have since launched a murder probe into his death and have made three arrests in connection with the incident.

Following his death there has been an outpouring of love amongst the Greenstead community for Mr Siwale, who was a father to a young son and an aspiring rapper who went by the stage name Swizzino.

His latest track, called Mr Essex, amassed thousands of views online, with the video being filmed at locations in Colchester.

Earlier this year he performed a freestyle session for BL@CKBOX, a music platform which has helped launched the careers of artists such as Mercury Prize winner Dave.

Friend Manda Thompson first met Mr Siwali at the start of 2020 through some mutual friends.

She said: “It was almost like I had known him forever he was someone who I clicked with straight away because he was the funny one, he did nothing but constantly made everyone laugh. His energy was infectious.

“Due to lockdown I didn’t get much opportunity to see him, but as soon as lockdown was over and everything was open again, I was able to meet up again with Swizz.

“This is when I saw the more caring side of him, like times when he was with his son and I saw how much of a loving person he was.

“He had the most compassionate relationship with his little boy, who was always stuck to him like glue when they were together.

“Swizzino adored him and his little boy adored him just as much.”

Floral and picture tributes have been left in Affleck Road by friends and neighbours following Mr Siwale’s death.

Gazette:

Many of them pay tribute to his rap moniker Swizzino, or simply Swizz, a nickname by which he was known to many.

Tributes have also been appearing on Youtube from members of the music community.

Miss Thompson said: “Swizz as a person was someone who was more than just caring, he constantly went out of his way to make everyone happy and comfortable. He was the friend who always made sure everyone had eaten if we were all together, if you needed a taxi home, he’d pay.

“If you were thirsty he’d get up, go to the shop and buy you three different bottles of juice simply because he couldn’t decide which one you’d prefer - he could never watch one of his friends go without. I could never fault him.

“He was always trying to motivate me to think about my future and do what’s best for me. He constantly reminded me that I was a great person with a big heart, despite what others may say of me. He saw the good in everyone.

“When it came to himself, he had high hopes for his music career which he was finally getting recognition for.

“Mr Essex was due to be known worldwide, but his time was tragically cut way too short.

“Every memory others and I have of him was always full of jokes, laughter and nothing but positive vibes, and for that he’ll be remembered and loved til we all take our last breathe.”

Gazette:

Mr Siwale was also a former student at Notley High School in Braintree.

A spokesman for the school said: “The school were made aware of the tragic news about Alinjavwa Siwale.

“Staff were shocked to hear the circumstances.

“He was a likeable and talented student, who represented the school in numerous sports teams.

“The staff and governors would like to pass on their condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Anyone with information about the incident can contact 101 quoting incident number 10 of December 11 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police. uk.

The police are also keen to hear from anyone who has footage, images or information which could help.

Visit mipp.police.uk/ operation/4201020120P54-PO1.