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Ras Kimono[/caption]
Ras kimono, the reggae legend who stormed the limelight in 1989 with hits such as ‘What’s Gwan’ and ‘Rhumba Stylee’ died Sunday at Lagoon Hospital, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He was aged 60.
His death was confirmed by former COSON Board Chairman, Tony Okoroji.
Kimono who was scheduled to travel to US last night was on his way to the airport when he complained of uneasiness. He was quickly rushed to a hospital in Ikeja and was later transferred to Lagoon Hospital where he passed.
He had his big break in 1989 when Polygram Studio released his first album, Under Pressure. The album was very successful and had raving hits such as ‘Natty Get Jail’ where Kimono taught his fans the swing dance. Rhumba Style was the massive hit of that album, receiving generous airplays.
The following year saw the release of What’s Gwan, another album that proved to be even more successful. With topics that tackled legalisation of marijuana, colonialism and ethnic wars, the album fetched greater fame for the artiste. He toured Africa, Europe and USA. His style of music was heavily influenced by Jamaican and native African sounds.
As protests music declined in the new millenium era, Kimono evergreen sounds still resonated among the youths. He never failed to wow the audience each time he grabbed the microphone. At the last edition of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) Song Awards, he captivated the audience with his popular hit songs that many doubted if he ever left the music scene.
Kimono who hailed from Onicha Olona in Delta state was said to have suffered from respiratory problems and apnea over the years.
Source: Thisdaylive | Nigeria]]> 
