Ras Kimono goes home tomorrow as music stars pay tribute

Legendry music stars including Majek Fashek, Oritz Williki and many others on Wednesday night performed for mourners who have gathered at the COSON House, Ikeja, Lagos, to pay tribute to Rhumba Stylee reggae icon, Ras Kimono, who died on June 10, 2018.

The event marked the commencement of the final rites of the music star which would climax with his internment tomorrow (Saturday).

According to the burial programme, the lying in state of the late Kimono would take place on Thursday at his Magodo Estate residence in Lagos and would thereafter begin the final journey to Onicha Olona in Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State.

While in Asaba, there would be a procession by the Rasta community and this will be followed by a brief lying-in-state while the Wake Keep holds at his home town today while he would be buried tomorrow.

Among other important artistes and dignitaries that watched the Night of Songs in Lagos were Clarion Chukwura, Dede Mabiaku, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa as well as Faze, Essence, Alariwo of Africa, Kenny Saint Best and others.

Oge Kimono, daughter of the late musician was equally on hand and performed her father’s famous song: “Under Pressure” recorded in 1980.

While enjoying the performances by the artistes who took turn to play different Ras Kimono songs, the night became full of tears as those who spoke told stories of their encounters with the Rastafarian.

Daddy Fraizer, Ras Kimono’s manager told the audience that the musician was fine a few days before his death as his doctor had satisfied him fit following a medical check up, adding that his sudden death was therefore a rude shock to all.

He said, “His death remains a big shock to all of us. He will be surely missed.”

The General Manager of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chinedu Chukwuji on his part said that “Ras Kimono was not just a COSON member he was a 100 per cent committed member, totally dedicated to the cause.

He said, “As a hyper creative person, he fought against anything that will destroy COSON as he saw the organization as a watershed development in our country and an important legacy for the Nigerian creative industry.”