Nigerian reggae great Ras Kimono passes on

The reggae act had slumped before a flight to the US. He was taken to two Lagos hospitals in succession. He died at Lagoon Hospital yesterday. 

Born Okeleke Elumelu, Ras Kimono hailed from Delta State and found fame in the late 1980s with the release of the Under Pressure album. Before then he was a member of the reggae group Jastix Reggae Ital, which also had another famed Nigerian reggae act, Majek Fashek, as a member.

Unlike his friend Majek Fashek whose stardom took him to major venues in the US in his heyday, Ras Kimono found fame mainly with African audiences. Both were politically conscious singers. Nonetheless Ras Kimono performed at the 1994 Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (Panafest) in Accra, which was opened by US star Stevie Wonder.

He once explained the meaning of his stage name to an interviewer. “I am Ras Kimono. Ras, meaning king and Kimono,” he said. “What is wrong with the society. That is my name and that is what I want people to be calling me.” An avowed ascetic and Rastafarian, he once said he never drank or smoked in his three decades of recording and performing music.

The title track from Under Pressure became a hit and remained his signature song for many listeners. Other albums followed, including We No Wan, What's Gwan, Rub A Dub, the last reaching fans in 1990. Most of these albums were released under the Premier Music record label. In May this year, he celebrated his 60th birthday and was feted by members of the performing arts community.

Even as his music’s popularity waned over the past few years, Ras Kimono had influence still. Bits from his songs can be heard in contemporary songs. “Timaya called the other time about using ‘Dem go like me, me no like them’ in his song,” he said. “I gave my permission. I always tell all of them to feel free to use my music. I just wish to see better lyrics and more conscious content.”

Prominent Nigerians have expressed sadness at his death. “A man who dedicated his life to making good music. Farewell Ras Kimono. You will live forever in our hearts,” tweeted DJ Jimmy Jatt.

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce said: “I feel so sad hearing about the death of reggae legend Ras Kimono. He redefined the face of music and there will be none like him. He will be dearly missed.”

The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) said in a statement: “Everyone at COSON is devastated because we all loved Ras Kimono who stood firmly for our cause. From Monday morning, flags begin to fly at half-mast at COSON House in Ikeja. A condolence register will also be opened at COSON House for the many, many lovers of Kimono to personally express their feelings at the loss of the Rub A Dub Master.

“On the many TV screens at COSON House, there will be continuous replay of the many great performances of Ras Kimono including his unforgettable performance at the last COSON Song Awards.”