One of Swedish Radio’s favorite rappers has come under legal scrutiny after being remanded on probable cause suspected of rape in central Stockholm. The case concerns the gangsta rapper Asme, of Eritrean background, who, throughout his career, has become known for glorifying gang culture through lyrics about drug dealing, shootings, and murder. Despite this, he has been honored at Swedish Radio’s P3 Guld awards.

Court documents from the Stockholm District Court show that the 29-year-old artist Asmerom Tsigabu, known by the stage name Asme, is suspected of a rape alleged to have occurred on Walpurgis Night at the Clarion Hotel in central Stockholm.

Prosecutor Paulina Pilati considers the evidence strong enough that he has been remanded on probable cause. The gangsta rapper himself denies the crime.

Asmerom Tsigabu has also been remanded with restrictions. The prosecutor assesses that there is a risk he could otherwise hamper the ongoing investigation, for example by influencing witnesses or destroying evidence, or alternatively absconding from the legal process.

Since May 4, Asmerom Tsigabu had been wanted and detained in absentia on suspicion of the crime, before being apprehended in the Stockholm area on May 21. Just two days later, the artist was scheduled to perform at a concert in Gothenburg, but the event was cancelled following his arrest.

About 4,000 tickets had already been sold for the show, and the organizer has announced that all ticket buyers will get their money refunded while the artist remains in custody during the ongoing police investigation.

Promoted by Swedish Radio

For several years, Asme has been one of Sweden’s most high-profile gangsta rappers, amassing millions of plays on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

He has Eritrean and Ethiopian roots, but was born and raised in Hammarkullen in Angered—a troubled area in Gothenburg long affected by gang crime. Over the years, he has been repeatedly linked to the gang environment, which is also clearly reflected in his music and artistic profile.

READ ALSO: SR boss defends rap about weapons and drugs: Not gangsta rap, it’s Swedish hip hop

Over the years, the tax-funded public service broadcaster Swedish Radio has repeatedly highlighted and promoted his music. He has also been honored at the P3 Guld awards, where he and a former music colleague were awarded the title “Group of the Year.”

READ ALSO: SR: This is why we fill the studio with masked gangsta rappers

One of SR’s video clips with the artist: