Late musician Philip Martin Michael passed away in Wau on Saturday. (Photo: Courtesy).

Legendary musician Philip Martin Michael, known for his hit song ‘Beledi Wau’ died in Western Bahr el Ghazal State on Saturday, January 14.

His family confirms to this outlet that Philip passed away in Wau town at the age of 56.

Oliver Marko, a nephew to the musician said the late was suffering from Anemia.

“His death is a great loss to all of us, as a family, community and South Sudan. He was suffering from Anemia for two years now, he always losses blood. Doctors at Wau hospital have been helping him,” Marko told Eye Radio.

Singer Philip Martin is not only remembered for his brilliant music talent, but for his contribution to the war of independence.

He joined the SPLM-SPLA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1993, before he later joined the department of Moral Orientation at the South Sudan Police Service in 2011.

Philip is survived by two boys and a girl.

Initially a church choir, Philip’s music passion first took shape in 1979, when he started composing songs in his native town of Wau.

The Malakal-born musician, who has earned the nickname; Rasta Philip then became a member of a jazz ban group in 1992.

He was also a member of a music diversity group together with the Sudanese legendary known as Sharhabil Ahmed in Khartoum, Sudan.

Other music groups Philip contributed to include Ethiopian military band, Dubai band, and Bahrain music group.

Domestically, he contributed in the moral orientation music groups in Wau, Juba, Aweil and Kwajok.

Some of his hit songs include Beledi Wau and girl child education.