Entertainment

The Life and Times of Raggae Legend, Ras Kimono (1958 – 2018)

Published

8 years ago

June 11, 2018

Eric

By Ajibade Morakinyo

When the reggae legend, Ekeleke Elumelu (Onwubuya), popularly known as Ras Kimono, was born on May 9, 1958, little did his parents knew that he would be one of distinct and exemplary influencers of the world. The family, friends, and well-wishers at the naming could not paint his future, but he prevailed in the fight to woo success to his side in the entertainment industry.

A native of Onicha Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State and who recently clocked 60, Ras Kimono was known for his Rastafarian oriented music – an Africa-centered religion which developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, following the coronation of Haile Selassie I as King of Ethiopia in 1930 – reggae music.

He started his music career in the present Delta state, Nigeria, while he was in secondary school – Gbenoba Secondary School, Agbor. During this time, his music was greatly influenced by the poverty, inequality and hardship he witnessed in his early life.

Kimono’s songs are embodiment of unfadable words of truth and wisdom. It came as shock to many when the Nigerian reggae artist, Ras Kimono, debut album Under Pressure on the Premier Music label, which was accompanied by the popular song, “Rum-Bar Stylée” made unexpected hit in the Nigerian music scene way back in 1989, when the likes of Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, and many others were making waves in the reggae world.

This album propelled him to instant continental stardom, where he influenced many into his kind of music, and mentored many young reggae stars. The album revealed both a Jamaican and native African influence, Rum-Bar Stylée particularly, evident in his ‘patois’ delivery as frequently employed by Fela Kuti to communicate with the urban underclass. However, before making his late 80s breakthrough as a reggae singer, Kimono served a long apprenticeship on the Nigerian music circuit, experimenting with a number of styles.

With his Massive Dread Reggae Band as a signature, his strongly polemical lyrics produced album sales of over 100, 000 copies, and a fervent following for his advocacy of social change like legalisation of marijuana, the need for Africans to intellectually repel colonialism and its arbitrary boundaries between tribes. Kimono was not averse to naming directly those in power he saw as synonymous with backdoor imperialism.

Before his 1989 album, he was in a group called The Jastix Reggae Ital along with ace reggae artistes, Amos McRoy and Majek Fashek and Black Rice Osagie. Thereafter, Kimono released a string of hit albums such as, “Natty Get Jail” and the massive hit “Rhumba Style”, touring all over Africa, Europe and the United States, promoting his brand of reggae music. His effectiveness in the field brought him strings of classic awards, and the like of Nigeria Music Awards, Fame Music Awards and many more made his library.

In the 2000s, Kimono still maintains such agility and energy his fans are used to seeing in his music videos, while performing on stage. The popularity he has gathered throughout West Africa, Africa, and the world is overwhelming, thereby attracting mammoth of crowd to his 60th birthday bash that held at the Time Square, Ikeja, Lagos. Unfortunately, 31 days later, the legendary reggae singer reportedly slumped at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while waiting to board a flight to the United States, on Saturday night.

Kimono was immediately rushed to an unnamed hospital in Ikeja and then taken to another hospital on Lagos Island where he later died on Sunday morning, 10 June 2018. His, fans and other esteemed personality of the world have poured out their heart as he lives on. The world would miss you Ras Kimono…

He was a distinguished board member of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and is survived by humble family including his daughter, who is also making waves in the reggae music industry.

Entertainment

Globacom-Sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features BBN Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

Published

2 weeks ago

November 30, 2025

Eric

Nigerian media personality and Big Brother Naija host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is the guest on CNN International’s acclaimed magazine show, African Voices, this week. The 30-minute show, sponsored by telecommunications leader, Globacom, gives viewers an in-depth look at Ebuka’s journey and impact.

Born on July 14, 1982, Ebuka first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural edition of Big Brother Naija in 2006. Since then, he has become the show’s longest-serving host, captivating audiences with his charisma and style.

A Law graduate of the University of Abuja, Ebuka also holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, where he specialized in Intellectual Property. Beyond reality TV, he has anchored notable programs including Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television and the Glo Show.

The episode highlights Ebuka’s impressive fashion collaborations with designer Mai Atafo, the cultural stories behind his signature style, and his passionate advocacy for young boys across Nigeria.

The show which runs on Saturday on DSTV Channel 401 at 8:30 a.m. and 12.00 noon is repeated on Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The repeats continue on Monday at 4 on the morning belt and at 6.45 p.m. the same day and at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday. The edition will be repeated next weekend at the same time slots.

Entertainment

My Character in “Sinnners” Reflects Deep Ancestral Reverence, Connection – Starlet Wunmi Mosaku

Published

2 weeks ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

She received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award (BAFTA) for playing a grieving matriarch in the heartbreaking drama “Damilola, Our Loved Boy.” She captivated audiences as Ruby Baptiste in the horror-drama series “Lovecraft Country” and was the sidekick to Idris Elba’s character in the fifth series of the BBC crime drama “Luther.”

Wunmi Mosaku’s latest role as a spiritual healer and Hoodoo conjurer is earning her rave reviews.

In “Sinners,” the supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, Mosaku, who is known for her roles in “Loki” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the film “His House” is much more than just the estranged wife of Elijah “Smoke” Moore (Michael B. Jordan).

“Annie is Smoke’s protection, his comforter. She’s his mother, his teacher, his friend and his lover,” says the Nigerian-born British actress whose performance has been widely praised for its emotional arc and authenticity. In playing Annie, she steeped herself in research ensuring she not only perfected the Southern American accent required but arduously rehearsed with Jordan as their on-screen relationship is central to the film’s core.

“We had a couple of weeks of rehearsal and shared our story, our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, the things most precious to us. And so, we built a level of trust and openness and safety to really explore that love, that grief, the differences. I think that’s kind of the fastest way to get to trusting your scene partner and being free is just to open up, and that’s what we did.”

An original tale that takes place in a single day, “Sinners” follows identical twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint. While they plan to start a new life, they soon find themselves battling a group of vampires who attack their establishment, forcing the survivors to learn how to fight and defeat them.

Her character’s expertise in Hoodoo proves crucial in helping her companions tackle the vampires. She provides spiritual and intellectual guidance for the group. It’s a role which also allowed Mosaku, who was born in Zaria, to explore her own heritage as a Hoodoo expert Dr. Yvonne Patricia Chireau, an authority on Africa based religions and spiritual traditions served as a consultant on the film.

“There is this reverence for our people, who we are and where we’re from, and I was excited by the depth and the quality of the writing when I read the script, and I learned so much from Annie. The onset conversations Michael and I had, and those I had with the community, truly inspired me. I hope the film reminds people to stay connected with their ancestors.”

With music, humor, drama, suspense and history, director Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Black Panther,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), who also wrote the screenplay, has created a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film

Entertainment

Don Jazzy Names Top 5 All-time Afrobeats Songs, Albums

Published

1 month ago

November 1, 2025

Eric

Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.