Legendary Reggae Star, Ras Kimono, Dies At 60

Nigerian reggae star, Ukeleke Elumelu, popularly known as Ras Kimono has died.

Sources claimed that the ‘We No Wan” hitmaker slumped at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while waiting to board a flight to the United States, on Saturday night.

Sources close to the deceased star claimed that Kimono was immediately rushed to an unnamed hospital in Ikeja and then taken to another hospital on Lagos Island where he later died on Sunday morning.

The demise of the dreadlocked musician, who was a native of Onicha Olona in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State and who recently clocked 60, was confirmed by the President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Pretty Okafor and the Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji.

The news has since thrown members of the Nigerian music and culture community into deep mourning, with tributes pouring in as the legendary singer is remembered.

Kimono released his debut album, Under Pressure in 1989, accompanied by the popular single, “Rum-Bar Stylee”.

His strongly polemical lyrics produced album sales of over 100,000 copies, and a fervent following for his advocacy of social change, the need for Africans to intellectually repel colonialism and its arbitrary boundaries between tribes.

Since the news of his death hit social media, politicians, celebrities and fans across the country and beyond have been paying their respects on social media.

Check out some of the tributes pouring in on Twitter.

 

While Ras Kimono might be dead, his music would always be evergreen in the hearts of Nigerians. RIP Ras Kimono!