Cardi B will be paying for the funeral costs of 17 people who passed away in the Bronx building fire earlier this month.
In a statement released by New York City’s Mayor’s Office, the Grammy Award-winning rapper has collaborated with Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to cover the burial expenses. These expenses include recovery costs for victims who will be buried in their home country, Gambia, through the Mayor’s Bronx Fire Relief Fund. Many of those who perished in the fire were immigrants from the West African nation.
Adams expressed his gratitude for Cardi in the official statement.
“The resilience of this city reflects everyday New Yorkers who never turn their back on one another. We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims,” he said. “The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time.”
Cardi, a proud Bronx-native, said that she wanted to do something for the victims of the tragic high-rise building fire in her hometown as soon as she heard about it.
“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx, and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still,” she said. “So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the victims’ families are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal. I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”
A relative of one of the victims called Cardi an “angel” in an interview with TMZ. Haji Dukuray lost his niece, Haja Dukureh, 37, in the fire, along with her husband, Haji Dukureh, 49, and their three children.
“Cardi B, you’re an angel. I can’t thank you enough. My family cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done,” he said. “I don’t know you. I’m sure you’ve never heard of my family. For you to step up and do what you did for us at this time, all I could do is pray to Allah for you. May Allah give you all your wishes and grant you everything in this world.”
The 29-year-old rapper and hitmaker donated to great causes in the past. At the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, she donated 20,000 vegan OWYN supplements to New York City hospitals. The supplements went to medical workers, including ambulance staff, who were too busy to stop and grab food during their shifts.
