Last Sunday, the Nigerian music scene was thrown into mourning as reggae legend, Ras Kimono suddenly passed away, after wrapping up plans to travel to the United States.
In a chat with TS Weekend, ace flutist, Tee Mac Omatsola Iseli, recalled how he met the singer in the mid-1970s. Hear him: “I returned to Nigeria in 1976 after touring for two years with Silver Convention and taking over Surulere Night Club. Ras Kimono met me there. He was about 18-years-old. He told me he wanted to become a professional musician. He was a tall, light-skinned, fine looking young man who dropped by regularly.
“I remember from 1983, he used to follow me to PMAN meeting at their Ikeja secretariat even before we registered PMAN and he became a friend to all founding members. I have seen him grow in his music and become the successful artiste everyone knows as Ras Kimono.
“I called him on his 60th birthday to wish him all the best. Ras Kimono was a true musician who did not compromise in his music; his lyrics had a message and meanings.
“The last time I shared a show with him was at an open air club on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi about two years ago. It was a reggae night organised by The Mandators’ Victor Essiet. Kimono performed with his band and I truly enjoyed the professionalism displayed by him and his musicians. We shall miss Ras Kimono, a true reggae legend. I send my love and condolences to his wife, children and extended family, and all his fans.”