The British rapper Cadet has died in a car accident on the way to a concert, and five other people have been taken to hospital with injuries.

Otherwise known as Blaine Johnson, the 28-year-old was travelling in a taxi to Keele University, Staffordshire, where he was scheduled to perform at the students’ union, when the fatal crash occurred, after which his three fellow passengers were treated for injuries.

“We, the family of Blaine Cameron Johnson known as Cadet (Underrated Legend), would like to share the sad news that during the early hours of 9 February 2019 he passed away as a passenger in a taxi, en route to a performance,” his family confirmed on the south London musician’s Instagram account.

“Right now we the family appreciate your patience and will share with you any information as and when we can. Thanks for your support in advance.”

Staffordshire police confirmed Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene after the silver Toyota Prius he was travelling in collided with a red Vauxhall Combo van in Betley, 5 miles from the university, at 1.30am on Saturday.

In a statement, the force appealed for dashcam footage and witnesses, adding that officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands serious collision investigation unit were investigating the incident and specialist officers were supporting Johnson’s family.

“The drivers of both vehicles, a 36-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent and a 22-year-old man from Crewe, were taken to the Royal Stoke University hospital with serious injuries. Three further passengers of the Toyota were treated at Leighton hospital in Crewe.”

Cadet first gained a following through freestyle videos posted on YouTube, before releasing his well-received first mixtape, The Commitment, in 2016. In addition to his own headline shows, he supported Krept & Konan on tour, along with the Manchester rapper Bugzy Malone, and often appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

He was due to perform at the Wireless festival in London this summer. In the billing on its website, the festival said: “The proclaimed ‘Underrated Legend’, Cadet, stepped into the music scene during the second half of 2015 with a hard-hitting freestyle reaching over half a million views in just a few months. This was quickly followed by another heartfelt freestyle. Cadet is tipped for an unstoppable career.”

The festival tweeted on Saturday that it would be keeping Cadet’s performance “as a time to reflect on the memory of Blaine”.

Tributes poured in from a number of other artists, including Cadet’s cousin Casyo Johnson, known professionally as Krept.

TALLY (@kreptplaydirty) My life will never be the same again. I love you and will forever miss you. I cant believe it. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace cuz. You finally started getting the recognition you deserved. Im so proud of you. My left lung. Im devestated and broken right now 😪💔 pic.twitter.com/125pWPMzO1

DJSemtex (@DJSemtex) Cant believe it...

I was on stage with him last week . Never seen a man so happy. Everything was working out for him.

This was gonna be his year. We were plottin on the best time to do an interview on his next single.

Rip Cadet 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/Nwy65RUqbJ

GiveBlood 🅰️🅱️🆎🅾️ (@GiveBloodNHS) We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @CallMeCadet. He was extremely talented and wonderful to work with.



Sending lots of love to his family and friends during this difficult time.

RIP Cadet. pic.twitter.com/hhu9SflaRL

Brown Sugar 🇯🇲🇻🇨 (@SoulSmellsofAmi) One of the greatest storytellers of our generation 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/IoW4UI3rwk

Keele students’ union said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that Cadet passed away en route to Keele in the early hours of this morning. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Cadet’s management has reportedly said they will release a statement after more details emerge.