Nigeria: King of Highlife music, Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, was accorded a posthumous honour in his hometown, Buguma City, in Rivers State of Nigeria. The event was hosted in the King Amachree Square in the city on the death anniversary of the highlife legend.
The event was attended by a mammoth crowd from all walks of life, from Kalabari lands, and lovers of the legend. The biological children of the late Highlife King also attended the event. Notably, the firstborn of the legend talked about his father’s life and his experiences with the man.
The event was fully sponsored by the Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Onengiyeofori George. The executive chairman claimed that the event would be a fitting tribute to the talent of Lawson.
During his career, he amassed a huge and loyal fan following across the world. The celebration started with the red carpet at 5:00 PM. The main event started at 7:00 PM.
The concert was peacefully held from the dusk of 16th January to the dawn of 17th January, 2024. The turnout and excitement of the people made it clear that the event was a resounding success. Further, the people continue to request that the programme should be made an annual event.
The memorial concert was studded with homegrown Highlife musicians and others who kept the musical fire burning with wonderful performances till the break of dawn.
The activities of the day also featured a visit to the well-decorated tomb site of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson at his country home. Attendants revealed that the visit brought back fond memories of the icon of highlife.
The visit was colourfully plumaged by the ASALGA Chairman and his DELGA counterpart, Hon. Michael John Williams, and in the company of highlife music enthusiasts and of the Country Classic Club of Buguma.
It is worthy of note that Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson Day is celebrated annually and internationally by organizations and lovers of the Buguma-born Highlife music legend.