Widely acclaimed Nigerian reggae artiste, Ukeleke Elumelu Onwubuya popularly known as Ras Kimono has died at the age of 6o.

Confirming his demise, a close family source told reporters that he died at The Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi on Sunday morning following a brief illness. The reggae icon was said to have been rushed to the hospital after he slumped on Saturday.

Ras Kimono rose to stardom after the release of his debut album, ‘Under Pressure’ in the late ‘80s. He won several awards including the Nigeria Music Awards and Fame Music Awards among others.

Ras Kimono started out his career, firstly as a student of Gbenoba Secondary School Agbor and later as a member of the Jastix Reggae Ital, alongside Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie.

His music was greatly influenced by the poverty, inequality and hardship he witnessed in his early life. He released his solo debut album ‘Under Pressure’ on the Premier Music label in 1989, which propelled him to instant continental stardom.

The album had hits such as ‘Under Pressure’, ‘Natty Get Jail’ and the massive hit ‘Rhumba Style’. He later released a string of hit songs, touring all of Africa, Europe and the United States to promote his brand of reggae music.

According to reports, he was preparing to travel to the United States last night for some medical check-up, having complained of not feeling too well.