Late Reggae Icon to be buried on August 25

The legendary Reggae artist, Ras Kimono, who

Born Ukeleke Elumelu Onwubuya, the icon had slumped on the fateful day, and was rushed to a hospital in Ikoyi, where he was pronounced dead.

A statement issued by the family reads, “We wish to inform the general public that the Burial Ceremony for late Ras Kimono has been slated for the August 25.

The program of the events leading to the funeral will be made available in due course. We wish to thank everyone who has individually and collectively supported us during these trying times and we pray the Almighty God to guide and protect us all.”

The burial will be coming two months after he passed away.

In the same vein, members of the planning committee for the burial, which features his family members and industry colleagues, also announced plans to give him a befitting week-long funeral and hold an annual event in remembrance of his legacy..

The chairman of the planning committee, Mr Theophilus Ehizibue, said this at a press briefing on Tuesday.

He also noted that the deceased would have marked 35 years on stage this year and the family has decided that there will be an annual event to celebrate him.

“Having played for 35 years on stage which co-incidentally is this year, the family and friends have decided that there will be an annual event to mark his remembrance, his personality, his kind of music and what he represents”, Ehizibue said.

The life and times of the great Reggae icon

Ras Kimono, who was born in Delta State was already known in music circles as he was an ever present face at bars and clubs performing on a weekly basis as a member of the band, The Jastiz that had other talented acts like Amos McRoyJegg, Black Rice Osagie and Majek Fashek.

For Ras Kimono, he was more than just an artist as through his music, which was greatly influenced by the hardship and inequality he witnessed, he became a voice for the people.

While Rhumba Style was entertaining and one for the dance-floor, Under Pressure was his reflective state addressing situation within the polity under the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Throughout the span of his career, Ras Kimono earned reverence among industry colleagues for his passion, outspoken nature and indelible mark on the music scene.