Ras Kimono was a Jamaican-born Nigerian musician who rose to prominence in the 80s with his unique style of music. With hits like “Under Pressure” and “What’s Gwan”, he became a household name in Nigeria and throughout Africa. In this article, we will delve into his life, career, and accomplishments.
Early Life and Education
Ras Kimono was born as Ekeleke Elumelu in the city of Onicha-Olona in Delta state, Nigeria. His parents were both from Delta state, and they raised him in Lagos with his siblings. Growing up, Ras Kimono was exposed to music from an early age, and he was influenced by artists like Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, and Peter Tosh.
He attended Gbenoba Secondary School in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. After graduating, he went on to study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, but he dropped out in his second year to pursue a career in music.
Career and Discography
Ras Kimono’s musical journey started in the late 70s when he joined a group called “The Jastix”. The group consisted of himself, Black Rice Osagie, and Majek Fashek. Together, they performed at various gigs in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
In 1988, he released his debut album, “Under Pressure”, which became an instant hit. The album addressed a range of social and political issues in Nigeria, including corruption, poverty, and the plight of the common man. The album’s success cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.
He went on to release several other albums, including “What’s Gwan” and “Rub-A-Dub Master”, all of which were well-received by fans and critics alike. Ras Kimono’s music was characterized by his strong vocals, catchy hooks, and socially conscious lyrics.
Ras Kimono’s Discography
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Under Pressure | 1988 |
| What’s Gwan | 1990 |
| Rub-A-Dub Master | 1993 |
| Blast From The Past | 1996 |
| Resistance | 2001 |
Aside from his music, Ras Kimono was also known for his activism and advocacy for the less privileged. He often spoke out against corruption, injustice, and oppression in Nigeria, and he used his music as a tool to inspire change.
Personal Life
Ras Kimono was married and had children. However, details about his personal life are scarce, as he preferred to keep his private life out of the public eye.
Net Worth
It’s challenging to estimate Ras Kimono’s net worth with accuracy since he passed away in 2018. However, at the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $500,000.
When converted to other currencies, his net worth is as follows:
- Nigerian Naira: ₦193,050,000
- Canadian Dollar: C$654,000
- Ghanaian Cedi: ₵2,923,500
- Kenyan Shilling: KSh 41,526,250
- South Africa Rand: R7,045,000
- Ugandan Shilling: USh 1,833,750,000
- Indian Rupee: ₹36,765,000
Although Ras Kimono is no longer with us, his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest musicians lives on. He will forever be remembered for his contributions to the Nigerian music industry and the impact he had on the lives of many people.
To listen to Ras Kimono’s music on Boomplay, click here.
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