Kenny Mukendi: Missing British rapper, 22, confirmed dead in Brazil, authorities say

Family said to want new DNA test of body of performer also known as Kenny Vulcan

Missing Londoner Kenny Mukendi disappeared on 13 April (GoFundMe/I Alam)

A British rapper who went missing in Rio de Janeiro has been found dead, Brazilian police have said.

Kenny Mukendi disappeared in the city’s Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood in April after leaving a recording studio and deleting his social media accounts.

The 22-year-old from Woolwich, south-east London, who is also known as Kenny Vulcan, had gone to Brazil in an attempt to boost his music career.

The Foreign Office said it had been supporting his family since he vanished, adding that his “death has been confirmed by the Brazilian authorities”.

It added in a statement to The Independent: “We continue to do all we can for them, and remain in contact with the authorities in Brazil.”

Police previously said they believed the rapper had taken his own life, having ruled out a violent crime when Mr Mukendi’s backpack, containing his wallet, phone and passport, was found by surfers in late April.

A body was reportedly found last month and DNA tests, the results of which were released earlier this week, showed it was Mr Mukendi’s.

His family, however, was said to want a new test carried out once his body returns to the UK.

For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123.

If you have been affected by this story, you can contact the following organisations for support:

• mind.org.uk
• nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth
• mentalhealth.org.uk