Sarah Geronimo in Mourning: Heartbroken Over the Sudden Death of ‘The Voice’ Finalist Kokoi Baldo

Pop icon and “The Voice Philippines” coach Sarah Geronimo has publicly expressed her grief and deep sorrow following the untimely death of Kokoi Baldo, a reggae singer and former finalist under her mentorship during the show’s second season. Kokoi, who captured the hearts of viewers with his laid-back charisma and soulful performances, passed away in a tragic road accident in Bacolod City on December 8, 2023.

He was 44.

A Sudden and Shocking Loss

According to reports released by local authorities, Kokoi was riding his motorcycle on Circumferential Road in Barangay Mandalagan when he attempted to overtake two vehicles. He lost control of the motorcycle, fell, and was struck by an oncoming 10-wheeler truck. He died on the spot due to fatal injuries sustained in the collision.

The suddenness and brutality of the accident left fans and colleagues in shock. Social media was quickly flooded with tributes, memories, and expressions of disbelief.

Among the many voices paying tribute, it was Sarah Geronimo’s emotional statement that stood out—raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal.

Sarah Geronimo’s Emotional Tribute

Taking to Instagram, the usually reserved singer opened her heart in a rare public post. She shared her sorrow while reminiscing about the time she spent with Kokoi on “The Voice Philippines.”

“Maraming salamat at ibinahagi mo sa amin ang talento mo sa musika… Marami po akong natutunan sa inyo, lalo na ang prinsipyo nyo sa buhay.”
(“Thank you for sharing your musical gift with us… I learned a lot from you, especially your principles in life.”)

“Maraming salamat Sir Kokoi. May your soul rest in God’s presence.”

The post, though simple, was overflowing with gratitude and pain, reflecting not only the connection Sarah built with Kokoi during their time on the show but also the mutual respect they held for each other as artists.

A Remarkable Talent with a Reggae Soul

Kokoi Baldo gained national fame when he joined The Voice Philippines Season 2 in 2014. With his unique reggae style and soulful performances, he quickly became one of the standout contestants of the season. His rendition of classics like Bob Marley’s “One Love” and “Redemption Song” struck a chord with both the judges and the Filipino audience.

Known as “the Reggae Father,” Kokoi stood out not only for his music but also for his laid-back personality and deep love for life, nature, and social causes. Despite not winning the competition, he continued to build a solid following in the local music scene, performing in festivals and grassroots events around the country.

He remained an independent artist, advocating for authenticity, peace, and the power of music as a unifying force.

Impact on Sarah and the Music Community

Sarah Geronimo has always been known for her professionalism and emotional investment in her mentees on “The Voice.” Her tribute to Kokoi reflects not just the loss of a former contestant, but that of a kindred spirit—an artist who walked his own path, with humility and strength.

Friends of Sarah say the singer was “devastated” upon learning the news. She had often described Kokoi as one of the most unique voices she had ever coached, and someone who “taught her as much as she taught him.”

Music industry peers and fans across the nation echoed the sentiment. Several artists took to social media to honor Kokoi’s legacy, noting how his presence on “The Voice” changed how many Filipinos perceived reggae music.

The Legacy of Kokoi Baldo

Kokoi Baldo’s music lives on through his recordings, YouTube performances, and the hearts of fans who admired his authenticity. In an era of flashy trends, Kokoi remained grounded—a man whose voice told stories of struggle, hope, and freedom.

His final social media posts, shared only days before his passing, included videos of his latest gigs and messages of gratitude to fans who continued to support his work. Even in his last moments as a performer, he radiated positivity and love.

Final Thoughts

The passing of Kokoi Baldo is more than just a loss for the reggae community—it’s a blow to Filipino music culture. And for Sarah Geronimo, it’s a deeply personal goodbye to someone she helped mentor and whose artistry helped define a season of her career.

As the country mourns the loss of one of its most distinctive voices, the music Kokoi left behind will continue to resonate. And for Sarah, and all those who knew him, he will be remembered not only as a contestant on a singing show, but as a man who sang from the soul—and lived by it, too.

Sarah Geronimo pays tribute to Kokoi Baldo
Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo paid tribute to reggae artist and finalist of The Voice of the Philippines Season 2, Kokoi Baldo, who passed away last Friday, December 8.

In her Instagram post, Sarah thanked Baldo for allegedly sharing her musical talent.

“Thank you for sharing your musical talent with us.. I have learned a lot from you, especially your principles in life,” Sarah wrote to Baldo.

“Thank you Sir Kokoi. May your soul rest in God’s presence,” she added.

Sarah was Baldo’s coach when he joined Season 2 of “The Voice of the Philippines” in 2014.

The reggae artist passed away last Friday, allegedly due to an accident.