Nigerian reggae musician, Okeleke Elumelu, better known as Ras Kimono, is dead.

Kimono, who dominated the music industry in Nigeria in the late 80s reportedly died at a hospital in Lagos on Sunday morning.

The reggae star’s “Under pressure”, his debut album brought him to the limelight and other hits in that album were “Rasta get jail” and “Rum-Bar Stylee”.

He disappeared from the scene after travelling to the US, where he spent six years. He later admitted that his sojourn in the US had a negative impact on his music career.

“It is true that my career was affected negatively when I travelled and stayed in the US for about six years. I thank God that I had made my marks already in the industry before I travelled,” he had told PUNCH.

“The reason I left Nigeria was that I wanted to know how life was on the other side of the river. I wanted to broaden my horizon. When I went there, I saw, conquered and came back to my country. However, any youth who has made one or two hits in Nigeria and feels he can travel abroad to continue his career would only kill his career.”

He started out his career as a student at Gbenoba Secondary School, Agbor, Delta state and later as a member of the Jastix Reggae Ital. Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie were also members of the group.

Meanwhile, the board and management of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) have expressed great sadness at the passing on of Ras Kimono.

In a press statement, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji said, “Kimono was not just a great musician but a truly fantastic person. He had no angst against anyone and stood for truth and justice at all times. I have not just lost a colleague but a valued friend. This is absolutely devastating.

“I was by his hospital bed at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, on Saturday night before he passed on, on Sunday. Despite his ailment he was in good cheer and we even shared jokes. I spoke to the doctors who expressed the view that he may have passed through the worst.

“I was at the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja on Sunday when I got the devastating phone call that got me screaming like a mad man. I was already checked in for a flight to Owerri. That was the end of the trip and the Airline had to go to the aircraft to retrieve my already loaded baggage.”

Shortly after receiving the news of the passing on of Ras Kimono,  Okoroji, Sir Shina Peters, Maureen Ejezie and some members visited the Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi to condole with the family and start appropriate arrangements.

Okoroji further added, “Everyone at COSON is devastated because we all loved Ras Kimono who stood firmly for our cause.

“From Monday morning, flags begin to fly at half-mast at COSON House in Ikeja. A condolence register will also be opened at COSON House for the many lovers of Kimono to personally express their feelings at the loss of the Rub- a- Dub Master.

“On the many TV screens at COSON House, there will be continuous replay of the many great performances of Ras Kimono including his unforgettable performance at the last COSON Song Awards. I can assure everyone that COSON will ensure that Kimono is buried like the great star that he was and that his memory is never forgotten.”

Watch his last concert below: