Shock and sorrow have gripped the UK music scene and a grieving family in Nepal after rapper and Netflix actor Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal hit-and-run in east London. The incident, which occurred late at night on October 18, 2025, has sent ripples through both the entertainment world and the local community, raising questions about justice, fame, and the fragility of life.
According to BBC News and multiple corroborating reports, the 41-year-old grime star allegedly struck 20-year-old Yubin Tamang with his black BMW M5 on Redbridge Lane East, Ilford, at approximately 11:33pm. Witnesses and CCTV footage reportedly captured Tamang, a Nepalese student and keen musician, walking along the road just moments before the collision. The impact was so severe that Tamang was flung 70 feet into the air, as detailed by the Daily Mail. The driver failed to stop at the scene, and police later arrested Clarke-Samuel at his Woodford home in the early hours of October 19.
Tamang, who was studying at the University of Roehampton and described by friends and family as a "good student" and a lover of hip-hop, succumbed to his injuries in hospital two days later, on October 20. His death prompted authorities to upgrade the initial charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to causing death by dangerous driving. The emotional toll on Tamang’s family has been profound. His father shared heartbreaking images of Yubin growing up in Nepal, posting, “My little world, all I have left is tears in my hands.” Tamang’s sister, Manita Rai, posted an emotional plea on TikTok: “Please [get] justice for my brother. We miss you.”
The case has drawn considerable public attention, not least because of Ghetts’ high profile. The musician, who has collaborated with major acts like Skepta, Stormzy, and Ed Sheeran, is renowned for his energetic performances and lyrical prowess. He has racked up millions of plays on Spotify with tracks such as "One Take," "Skengman," and "IC3." His 2014 debut album, Rebel with a Cause, and 2021’s Conflict of Interest were both critically acclaimed, and his latest work, Forbidden Frequencies (with Rude Kid), was released in December 2024.
Beyond music, Clarke-Samuel has made notable forays into acting, most recently starring as Krazy in the Netflix superhero drama Supacell, which debuted in 2024. The show, set in south London, tells the story of ordinary people who suddenly develop superpowers due to a shared family history of sickle cell disease. Ghetts’ character, a former gangster with the ability to absorb others’ powers, was praised for its depth and complexity.
Ghetts’ accolades are numerous. He won the Best Male Act at the Mobo Awards in 2021 and, in 2024, received the prestigious Mobo Pioneer Award for his “significant contribution to British black culture,” as noted by the BBC and NME. He has also been nominated for the Mercury Prize and, earlier in his career, for a BET Award for Best International Act: UK. His influence in the grime scene is undeniable, having been a member of the East London collective Nasty Crew and touring internationally, including with fellow rapper Kano.
But on October 27, at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, the focus was not on Ghetts’ career but on the tragic events of that October night. The rapper appeared in the dock, bearded and wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, flanked by two prison guards. The public gallery was packed with members of Tamang’s family, their grief palpable. According to reports in Metro and The Mirror, Clarke-Samuel spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address before being remanded in custody. He was not asked to enter a plea at this stage.
Prosecutor Varinder Hayre told the court that police had attended Ghetts’ address in the early hours after the incident. The administrative hearing saw the indictment changed from causing serious injury to causing death by dangerous driving, reflecting the gravity of Tamang’s passing. The judge ordered that Clarke-Samuel remain in custody until his next court appearance at the Old Bailey, scheduled for November 24, 2025.
Barkingside Magistrates’ Court heard that Tamang was an only child, sent to the UK by his parents to pursue a university education—a dream tragically cut short. Friends and family have continued to call for justice, with Tamang’s sister and father both sharing their pain and their hope for accountability via social media. David, who lived with Yubin in east London, told Metro in a choked voice, “He was my brother. I can barely speak. I am so upset. He was a good person, a very good person.”
The Metropolitan Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash to come forward as investigations continue. The case has sparked conversations about road safety, the responsibilities of public figures, and the broader social impact of such tragedies. While Ghetts has not commented publicly on the indictment, the silence from his camp has only fueled speculation and debate among fans and critics alike.
For many, the story is a stark reminder that fame and talent do not place anyone above the law. The intersection of celebrity and criminal justice is always fraught, and this case is no exception. With a celebrated musician facing one of the most serious charges in UK law, and a young man’s life lost far too soon, the coming proceedings at the Old Bailey are sure to be closely watched.
As the legal process unfolds, the music world and the Nepalese community in London mourn together, united in grief and the pursuit of justice. The outcome of this case will have repercussions not just for Ghetts and the Tamang family, but for the wider conversation about accountability, loss, and the responsibilities of those in the public eye.
With all eyes now on the Old Bailey for the November hearing, the questions remain: Will justice be served, and how will this tragedy shape the legacies of both the accused and the victim?
