The Garden City of Port-Harcourt was in a festive mood recently as it hosted the creme de la creme of society in celebration of the life and times of late music icon, Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson. The event, organised by a nongovernmental organisation, Kelvin Gigi Foundation, took place at the Sharks Stadium, with guests from far and near on ground to witness the occasion.
Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Daddy Gigi Kelvin thanked all who made the ceremony a success and stated that honouring the late music icon was a dream he has had for a long time, considering the roles played by the famous musician, especially in the high life music genre. He also noted that late Lawson’s contribution to music in Africa cannot be underscored.
He added that music has been neglected by the youths nowadays because the African culture, especially that of Niger Delta, has been taken over by the white man’s culture.
He said: “It is important to note that high life music promotes African culture and heritage. The celebration of the life and times of Rex Lawson will help bring back the lost glory of the people and inspire future generations and promote cultural preservation.”
He also maintained that good music helps for artistic expressions and engagement of youths, thereby helping to reduce youths restiveness. He thanked the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) for their support in making his dream see the light of the day. He also promised to use his foundation to make the dream an annual festival.
Speaking at the event, one of the daughters of the late music icon, Lady Victoria Rex Lawson thanked Gigi for celebrating her late father and the role he played in the repositioning of Nigeria’s music industry in general. She commended everyone who contributed towards the celebration.
She also stated that the youths should emulate her late father by engaging in the arts and music industry, so that the culture of their four fathers will continue to reign.
One of the high points of the ceremony was the showcasing of different music artists, actors and actresses within the Niger Delta. There was also a recognition and awards for personalities who have contributed their various quota to the development of the region through their different endeavours. These include the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalaye Fubara.