Entertainment
Rivers PMAN, FG, Others Eulogise Ras Kimono
Since the demise of popular Reggae idol, Ras Kimo no on Sunday June 10, 2018, the entertainment world has been thrown into mourning with encomiums and tributespouring in to express their deep loss and revered respect for the Under Pressure” crooner. The sad news is also trending in the social media as public figures and the Nigerian government have also commented on the passage of the Rastafarian lord.
Speaking with The Tide Entertainment on the issue, a Port Harcourt based music sensation and former Chairman of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State, Lexy M expressed shock at the news of the Rub-A-Dub Master’s demise stressing that he was with him recently when he celebrated his 60th birthday and he was hail and hearty.
“I was with him three weeks ago when he celebrated his 60th birthday in Lagos, we were close, I was once his backup singer during one of Benson &Hedges promo song his family stays abroad so he regularly travels to see them, he was very caring. Nigeria has lost a rare gem, an energetic performer and inspirator To many may his soul rest in peace.”
In his own tribute to the late regga legend, former State chairman of PMAN, Rivers State, Robin Maja (the farmer), recalled that in one of his interviews with the press, Ras Kimono disclosed that he was not bothered about getting money in music, but to bring out songs that would impact positively on the lives of the people and change the society for better.
The Ex-PMAN boss advised modern day musicians to come out with meaningful Lyrics that would promote moral values and not to go for money alone. “Ras Kimono will be remembered for his contribution in the promotion of the reggal music in Nigeria and Africa. Though he has passed on, his songs and achievements will remain a guide to upcoming stars”, he said.
Also reacting to the death of Ras Kimo, Port Harcourt- based popular comedian, Emmanuel Ubi also known by “Rugged Pastor” said: At 60, Ras Kimono was still strong and full of life, he used his songs to preach reality to the world, he was a master of his game, a role model to both old and upcoming regga stars, he is a philosopher, his songs are ever green so he cannot be forgotten so soon. Ras Kimono has lived a good life and his works live after him”.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “the late globally acclaimed regga star, Ras Kimono will be remembered for his contributions to the elevation of regga”. In a statement issued last Monday, the Minister said “Ras Kimonos contribution to that genre of music could never be forgotten”.
He expressed shock and sadness at the passing of the regga star, adding that he would be remembered for his love for the masses, his life of discipline and his service to humanity.” Kimono helped blaze the trail for the phenomenal growth of the Nigerian music industry. He was a worthy mentor to the younger generation of Nigerian musicians”.
Ras Kimono is famous for his Rub-a Dub style, he was born Ekeleke Elumelu Okwubuya on May 9, 1958, from Delta State. He released his debut hit sebum “Under Pressure” in premier music label in 1989.
He started his musical career as a student of Gbenoba Secondary School Agbor, Delta State and joined a group, JustixReggaital. along with Majek Fashek, Amos McKoy, etc.
R&B star, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has recounted the early-career challenges she faced, revealing that she was once booed out of the stage while performing at a school event.
Speaking in an interview with Newsmen, the Crazy Tings crooner shared that she wasn’t only booed but was also harassed with plastic bottles.
“I remember one time I was going to perform at my school as an up-and-coming singer and I thought I was going to receiving a standing ovation.
“But I got booed. They even threw plastic bottles at me,” she recalled.
Tems explained that despite the embarrassing incident and other such rejections, she remained determined to pursue a career in music.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Tems admitted that some of the initial rejections she faced could be due to her conviction to stick to her originality instead of doing covers or familiar sounds like most of her peers.
The Grammy-winning singer said looking back now, she is glad that she didn’t compromise her style despite the initial pressures.
A close associate of late singer Mohbad, Primeboy, has appealed for the artiste’s burial nearly three years after his death.
According to him, Mohbad’s body remains in the mortuary since September 12, 2023, pending burial arrangements.
The Tide Entertainment reports that in a statement Primeboy urged the family, public, and government to permit the burial, stating, “It’s been almost three years since Mohbad left us. His body is still in the mortuary. I’m begging the family, I’m begging the public, I’m begging the government, please let’s bury our brother. He deserves a befitting burial.”
It would be recalled that Mohbad’s death sparked public outrage, protests, and investigations. Ongoing autopsy examinations, police inquiries, and legal proceedings have delayed burial arrangements amid family disagreements and public scrutiny.
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