Nigerian reggae legend, Ras Kimono, has died, according to Channels TV.
A family source told the television station that Ras Kimono, who reigned in the late 80s and early 90s, died on Sunday morning, June 10, 2018 in Lagos.
Nigerians have taken to social media to mourn this loss.
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.
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) June 10, 2018
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. (SDM) (@_dinomelaye) June 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/GreatGracious/status/1005836423436685313
Ras Kimono was born Ekeleke Elumelu, in Delta State, Nigeria.
He started his music career from secondary school in his native Agbor in Delta State and later become a band member of the popular Jastix Reggae Ital. His fellow band mates were Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie, artistes who also carved a niche for themselves in the reggae scene of the 90s.
His first solo album of 1989 Under Pressure was a smash hit that brought him national and global recognition. His music was influenced by poverty, inequality, and injustice in the Nigerian society.
Ras Kimono went on to release three more albums – We No Wan (1989), What’s Gwan (1990), and Rub A Dub (1990) – before he relocated to the United States for a period.
