Tributes pour in as Nigerian Ras Kimono, the Reggae legend passes on

Ras Kimono

The death of the Nigerian reggae legend, Ukeleke Onwubuya, popularly known as Ras Kimono continue to draw sad reactions from all around Nigeria. As the news of his passing re-echoes, celebrities, politicians and people from all works of life are hailing his impact on social media.

Former spokesperson to immediate past president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri said, “Sad to hear about the death of Ras Kimono. A legend and one who made our childhood so much fun. May his soul rest in peace.”

“Death why! Why! My brother and my friend. Legend Ras Kimono rest in peace. What a black day! What an unceremonious exit. I love you and will miss you. Sad sad sad,” Senator Dino Melaye gushes about Kimono.

A Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist based in Abuja; Chidi Odinkalu mourns him as well, saying, “Ras Kimono pioneered campaign against abuse of detainees in #Nigeria. ‘Dread get jail. U must give him bail’#JahBless”

“Rip Ras, very gentle giant. Legend and inspiration forever,” says singer; Sound Sultan.

Mr. Tony Okoroji, Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), also lamented the demise of Rasta Kimono,. “His death came as a shock, because I spoke with him yesterday… he will be terribly missed, as he was not just a board member of COSON, but a personal friend who gave me 100% support,” he said.

The artiste who was a native of Onicha Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, who recently clocked 60, started his music career as a member of the legendary Jastix Reggae Ital, alongside Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie.

Ras Kimono was a force in the Nigerian music industry in the late 80s and 90s with his conscious reggae brand of music. His debut album Under Pressure, led by the single “Rum-Bar Stylée”, was a big hit in the Nigerian music scene in 1989.

The dreadlocked musician had slumped while waiting to board a flight to the United States. According to sources close to him, Kimono was instantly taken to a hospital in Ikeja and then transferred to another hospital on Lagos Island where he later gave up the ghost next morning.