The demise of legendary reggae musician, Ras Kimono, born Ekeleke Elumelu, who hailed from Delta State is being mourned by friends and fans all over the world.
It was gathered that he passed away on Sunday morning in Lagos after a very brief illness. He died a couple of weeks after his much celebrated 60th birthday.
Kimono, known for the hit singles ‘Under pressure’ and ‘We no want’, was reportedly scheduled to travel to the United States on Saturday night, but complained of not feeling too well.
He was transported to a local hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, then later taken to the Lagoon Hospital where he died.
Kimono started his music career with the group the Jastix Reggae along with Amos McRoy, Black Rice Osagie and popular singer Majek Fashek (Majekodunmi Fasheke). He released his first solo album after he left the group.
His music was greatly influenced by the poverty, inequality and hardship he witnessed in his early life. He released his solo debut album Under Pressure on the Premier Music label in 1989, which propelled him to instant continental stardom. The album had hits such as “Under Pressure”, “Natty Get Jail” and the massive hit “Rhumba Style”.
One of his long-time friends, Kunle Onime of MPC fame wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday: I have known you for almost 30 years, we toiled together, we struggled together, we hustled together, we have remained friends from the very first day we met.
I knew you as Augustine and not Ras kimono, I knew you when there was no one noticing us and we gladly jumped from one molue to another, I watched and saw you become a star and a mega star.
Today, exactly a month and a day after you celebrated your 60th birthday, you decided to shock the world. Why did you do this Kimono?
I am still in shock and in tears, watching your body being moved to the morgue today is the saddest thing that has happened to me since the passage of my Mother.
Kim , may the good Lord grant you eternal rest.
One love, my brethren.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele with additional reports from thewillnigeria.com
