By Christy Anyanwu
Ras Kimono daughter, Oge Kimono is a reggae musician who has performed on several platforms locally and internationally. Her experience in the creative space spans for about 20 years and counting. Asides music, she has hosted and participated in several events, seminars and workshops in the creative space. She currently sits on the board of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) as the youngest board member.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, she speaks about her music and life as the daughter of a reggae superstar.
Tell us briefly about your background, your growing up, schooling and how all these have helped prepare you for what you are doing now
Born in Lagos, my grandmother was instrumental in shaping my upbringing, so she relocated me to Aba in the east, where I spent my formative years and attended primary and part of secondary school, laying the foundation for my future. After my grandmother’s demise, I had to complete my last two years of school in my maternal hometown in Akwa Ibom state, a challenge that strengthened my resolve. As a kid, my grandmother recognised my passion for singing and dancing, and she would have me perform for her guests whenever she hosted gatherings, unknowingly helping me overcome my fears and unleash my potential.
Did you plan to do music as a child or you only became a musician to sustain your late dad’s legacy?
As stated earlier, I have always had a gift for music and dance, especially dance, and I strongly believed I would become a professional dancer someday. I was passionate about singing as a kid, and being part of both my school and church choir as a teenager further fuelled my passion. I was convinced that I would end up in the entertainment industry, but the when, where, and what were uncertainties I couldn’t clarify. Growing up with a psychedelic grandmother who had a taste for music that spanned genres like blues, country, soul, highlife and soft rock, I never imagined I would become a reggae artiste. I firmly believe that reggae chose me, and I’m grateful for that. My connection with reggae music began when I was 14 or 15, courtesy of my dad who sent me a Sony Walkman with his tapes, including those of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Listening to their powerful lyrics as I drifted off to sleep had a profound effect on me. Prior to that, I wasn’t drawn to reggae because the tempo seemed slow, and the patois lyrics were foreign to me. However, after my encounter with reggae, everything changed, and I found myself naturally writing songs in patois whenever I picked up my pen. My first official performance was alongside my dad in 2003 at Ikoyi Club as a backup singer, marking the beginning of my musical journey. When I moved to Europe the following year, I pursued my passion relentlessly, collaborating with various artistes as a backup vocalist.
Have you released any album? If not, when?
Currently, I am working on a body of works with various collaboration projects underway. One of such projects is the Prosperity Riddim project, an initiative that empowers Africa through the universal language of reggae music, featuring six artistes from four African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and myself representing Nigeria. I took a bold step and released my first single after moving back to Nigeria in 2013, titled Drum and Bass, followed by Main Chick, Safe, Addicted, and a couple of other songs that showcased my growth. I went on to release a ten-track album titled Good Ole Days, which was released on June 10, 2019, in memory of my late Dad, the legendary Ras Kimono. It was a bittersweet accomplishment, as I had been working on that album to surprise him before his demise, but I knew he’d be proud. The album was produced by a veteran reggae musician, Pupa Kumboye Sinclair, who also shared a special bond with my dad. According to him, he recalled a conversation where my dad expressed his conviction that we were up to something amazing, albeit he didn’t get to see it materialize, but his legacy lives on.
Reggae music seems to be on the retreat while Afrobeats has put Nigeria on the world map. What are your thoughts?
Just as everything in life has its time and season, I guess this is the season for Afrobeats to shine. It doesn’t mean reggae is still not present; I am a testament to that. Thankfully, the labours of our heroes past, like Fela, Sunny Okosun, Ras Kimono, Bright Chimezie, Majek Fashek, and the rest, have paved the way for us, the younger generation, to soar, leveraging on their sacrifice and toil to propel our music to global heights. It’s a moment of immense pride to see our music space metamorphose into a global force now.
Your late dad, Ras Kimono left a big shoe behind. Do you think you can fit into the shoe music-wise?
For every time a reference is made to the big shoe my father has left, my response has always been that we all have different shoe sizes. There can only be one Ras Kimono. However, what I am doing is building on an existing foundation to keep the name and the legacy flying, reaching new heights and inspiring others along the way.
What kind of father was Ras Kimono to his children, especially you, Oge, and how has his family been faring since his demise.
My father was my guiding light, a rock, a shelter, a soul-mate, and above all, a loving father. We shared life-changing moments together. We had a bond like that of a mother and daughter. His absence has been tough, but thankfully, to the glory of the Most High, we are holding up well and staying strong despite life’s troubles and challenges.
As the first child, what did you really miss about your father?
I cherish every memory of my dad – his infectious laughter, his side-splitting jokes, his wise counsel, and of course his warm hugs and his voice, which thankfully I can press play and hear him radiating joyfully through my speakers.
What are the unique things many don’t know about Ras Kimono?
I firmly believe that numerous individuals who had the privilege of knowing him intimately can bear witness to his profound love for humanity, a selfless and compassionate giver, an avid reader of the Bible, a passionate enthusiast of wrestling, a snooker virtuoso with a self-proclaimed title “The Punisher”, a master chef (laughing). Please do not ask what he cooks because only him eats his food. His extraordinary life was a shining testament to the transformative power of love and compassion.
What influences your sense of style? Tell us your kind of outfits on and off the stage.
My sense of style emanates from a profound awareness, knowing that Africans are majestic kings and queens, and that we are a resilient people radiating vibrancy in our diversity. I adore colours, so my style undoubtedly embodies a kaleidoscopic African representation exuding strength, confidence, and poise.
Where do we see Oge and her music in the next 10 years?
In 10 years, Oge will continue to inspire countless souls with her profound, conscious music, touring the globe, transforming lives, and empowering people to discover their purpose.
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