Nigerian Reggae superstar Okeleke Elumelu popularly known as Ras Kimono, is dead.
Ras Kimono, who was known for the hit singles ‘Under pressure’ and ‘We no want,’ was scheduled to travel to the United States, on Saturday night, but complained of not feeling too well.
He was rushed to a hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, then later taken to Lagoon Hospital in the Island where he reportedly died on Sunday morning.
Music veterans, Tony Okoroji and Sir Shina Peters had confirmed his passing.
Kimono dominated the music industry in Nigeria in the late 80s.
“Under pressure”, his debut album, brought him into limelight.
Among the hits in that album were “Rasta get jail” and “Rum-Bar Stylee”.
He “disappeared” from the scene after travelling to the US, where he spent six years.
Kimono later admitted that his sojourn in the US had a negative impact on his music career.
“It is true that my career was affected negatively when I travelled and stayed in the US for about six years. I thank God that I had made my marks already in the industry before I travelled,” he had told PUNCH.
“The reason I left Nigeria was that I wanted to know how life was on the other side of the river. I wanted to broaden my horizon. When I went there, I saw, conquered and came back to my country. However, any youth who has made one or two hits in Nigeria and feels he can travel abroad to continue his career would only kill his career.”
He started out his career as a student at Gbenoba Secondary School, Agbor, Delta state and later as a member of the Jastix Reggae Ital. Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie were also members of the group.
Ras Kimoni will forever be remembered for his musical ingenuity and efforts to create a better Africa.
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