Ras Kimono Development Foundation will be launched in Asaba, Delta State on June 15 in honour of the late reggae maestro, his associates have announced.
Dubbed the rub-a-dub master, Kimono died on June 10, 2018, after falling ill at the Lagos airport on his way to the USA.
He was 60-year-old with 35 years of professional singing.
A statement signed by Godfrey Osakwe on behalf of the singers’ associates on Saturday said Gideon Nwaomu, proprietor of Giddy’s Place, a hospitality and entertainment resort in Asaba, is championing the lunch of the foundation with the support of Kimono’s family.
Mr Nwaomu will be marking his 64th birthday on the same date
The launch of the foundation will be heralded by a farewell concert to formally close down Giddy’s Place which has suffered from a depressed economy.
According to Mr Nwaomu, a close associate of Kimono, the event will feature karaoke by renowned musicians and up and coming artistes.
“We have however put in place measures that will ensure our staff members get alternative means of livelihood, and a smooth transition for our customers, suppliers and service providers.
“The event will be graced with the very crème of society, including government functionaries, renowned musicians, movie practitioners, notable politicians and top business executives.
“It promises to be a spectacle in celebration of life, God’s goodness, perseverance and in tribute to brilliant achievements in concert as we launch a foundation in memory of Ras Kimono,” the statement reads.
Kimono’s cousin and member of the central working committee, Augustine Ugah, said “the launch of the foundation is in fulfilment of the deceased’s vision to create a platform for young and talented Nigerians and others of African descent.
“Growing up, Kimono knew what it means to live in absolute poverty, and therefore craved for others not to witness such.
“It was not a surprise that his music was often said to be greatly influenced by the poverty, inequality and hardship he witnessed in his early life,” Mr Ugah said.
