Cardi B to cover funeral expenses of all 17 Bronx fire victims, many from Gambia

Cardi B has announced she’s going to cover the funeral expenses of those who tragically died in the January 9 apartment fire in her native Bronx, CNN reported. The fatal incident, which occurred at an apartment building in the New York City borough, left 17 people dead.

Many of the residents of the apartment building were African immigrants, and Mayor Adams said the building was home to many Muslims from The Gambia. In an announcement this week, the state of New York said it would be allocating $2 million to a fund that has been set up for the victims.

In a statement to the news outlet, Cardi B also explained why she decided to help the victims of the apartment fire. “I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still,” the 29-year-old, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, said.

“So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help,” she added. “I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal. I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”

Cardi B’s rep also said the rapper has collaborated with The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City – a not-for-profit organization – to ensure her donated funds go to all the families of the victims and “that the final wishes for their loved ones were met.”

“We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time.”

The 120-unit building in the Twin Parks North West complex was built in 1973 as part of a project to build modern, affordable housing in the Bronx, Independent reported. Many of the building’s residents who were practicing Muslims had chosen the building largely due to its closeness to local mosques and the fact that it was home to their fellow Africans.