By Zionne Soule
Ras Kimono, the legendary Rub-A-Dub master of blessed memory was honoured through the artistic legacy he innately planted; one that continues to authentically bloom through the next generation. His daughter, Oge Kimono gracefully received the baton, carrying forward his conscious message and creativity through the transformative power of music.
An accomplished creative in her right, she hosted the Ras Kimono Day (Tribute Edition) in collaboration with the Dub & Riddim Movement on the 14th of June, saluting her father’s timeless legacy eight years after his passing. The intimately curated event was memorably meaningful as it was held at a venue deeply connected to Ras Kimono’s journey; one where he performed during his lifetime, making the celebration both a tribute and return to cherished memories.
Reflecting on the venue of event, Oge Kimono tells LSTV:
“The venue was, and still is a memory because that’s where we started Dub & Riddim in 2017; a weekly reggae party hosted by me. It carried a spirit similar to what my dad used to do in the 80s at Floating Bukka in Marina, Lagos. What made it even more special was that whenever I was out of town and unable to host or anchor the party, my dad would step in whenever he was around and hold the space for me. It became more than an event; it became a continuation of legacy across generations.”
When she was going through his belongings to carefully select archival material to be showcased that day, she described the experience as incredibly emotional, making her feel nostalgic when she came across his newspaper articles from the 80s, audio cassettes, photographs, vinyl records, and treasured memorabilia. Each piece carried memories that reminded her of his legacy, journey and impact.
She narrated how one of her costumes she wore on that day was her father’s; keeping his memory alive in real time. She performed his hit songs, Under Pressure released in 1988, What’s Gwan and Jah Guide I released in 1990, amongst others. The good vibes inna di place? Highly contagious; everyone feeling irie! Bomboclaat!!
With lovers and well wishers of Ras Kimono and the Rastafari movement, everyone looked stylish in their rasta costumes; waving the flag and blowing them bomboclaat whistles. Everywhere was lit up with genuine laughter and unity and on the dance floor.
In her words, she also tells LSTV why hosting the tribute was important to her, the music industry and her family.
OGE KIMONO: Hosting the tribute was very important to me; lest we forget those who laid their backs so we could walk, run and fly. Beyond upholding his legacy, it was also an opportunity for the younger generation to know and learn about him, his music and the message he stood for.
The art of bringing people together through the unwavering magic of reggae music to honour a conscious messenger who has passed on creates an avenue to foster genuine YOUNITY. More than a tribute, it’s time travel; a moment for reflection, remembrance, and introspection. It paves a way to reconnect with divine messages of wisdom, consciousness, one love, and social awareness that inspires positive change; not those negative mainstream music slowly causing brain rot. It also ensures that his voice continues to inspire generations.
One by one, we step out of Babylon, chanting in unism.
