Nigerian Reggae Legend, Ras Kimono, has been buried in his hometown, Onicha-Olona, in Aniocha North, Delta State.
COSON’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Chibueze Okereke, confirmed he was buried at 3.20 p.m. on Saturday.
Kimono, 60, was buried in a marble tiled mausoleum. His casket was painted in a Rastafarian colours while Ven. Josiah Ogom of the Asaba Diocese of the Anglican Communion presided over his burial rites.”
The burial was witnessed by a crowd of politicians, entertainers, friends and reggae lovers who stormed the town to pay their last respect to the reggae icon.
During his tribute at the burial, COSON, Chairman, Tony Okoroji, reportedly described the deceased as “unbeatable”.
Okoroji said, “Kimono was unbeatable, unpiratable and wonderful. He was a Nigerian like no other. We don’t mourn him; we celebrate him. Kimono never drank, never smoked and never ate meat, yet he was great in his chosen field.
“As we say goodbye to this lion, let us remember that he had no father, no mother, no brother and no sister but see the way the world has honoured him. We should unite to support the daughters he left behind.”
Several Nigerian performing artistes also attended the burial. They include Opa Williams, Orits Wiliki, Daddy Showkey, Buchi, Yellow Man, Righteous Man, Candy Sea and Bright Chimezie, among others.
Members of the Rasta Fraternity including the national grand patron for Nigeria, Ras Dickson, were also present.
Other dignitaries present at the event were Delta state Commissioner for Youth Development, Karo Ilolo, (who represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa), Ameachi Mrakpor, Emeka Nwaobi, and Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Bazim Chinye.
Kimono, who celebrated his 60th birthday with friends and family, had concluded plans to travel to the United States before his demise in June.
…Niger Delta mourns Reggae icon
The people of Niger Delta have described the late Ras Kimono as a gifted son of the region who made Nigeria proud. In a tribute by Comrade Joseph Evah on behalf of the region ahead of the reggae icon burial, he urged Delta State government and other governments in the region to establish Halls of Fame to document the activities of great men and women from the area.
“Our region mourns this special breed of creative art, a world class master of the reggae brand loved by the old and the young across the globe.
“We weep bitterly because Ras Kimono still had a lot to contribute to talent and creative art before death took him away.
We thank God, he had contributed his part to advance the level of awareness in our youths that no talent is wasted.
“Our youths in Nigeria are showing the world the power of creative art, so, we urge the Delta State Government to immortalize the great star from the state so that others may appreciate his talent and serve as encouragement to the younger generation”, Evah added.
