+Qq Perfect Yes that's Kalabari language but most of his tracks were composed and sang in Igbo. However, It may surprise you that Rex's maternal home is Owerri and some of his band members are from Owerri, IMO State.
Thank you groovemonster. Late Rex Lawson was a typical proof tat music has no boundaries. Even though we Yorubas don't understand Kalabari, yet we flowed easily with his cherished music.
Being a young boy of probably 5/6years old my father worked with Armels Transport in Benin City I used to sit with the house boy in his boys quarters listening to Rex Lawson on his record player. O what fond memories. I was so excited to hear his songs after 54years!!!
Teaching English. at. Midwest college. Warri The Cardinal died on the. W arri Sapele. Road. We. loved him then. We love him today. One day of the best musical talents in the world. Still played i Paris
Rex Lawson died at Aghalokpe on his way to Warri from PH to play with his band who had gone ahead of him earlier. He died in a folks wagon combi bus. He complained that his driver was going too slowly. He took over the steering wheel and lost control at a sharp bend in Aghalokpe town on Abraka Sapele Road. Rex died on the spot but the driver and Rex's girl friend who were with him survived. This account was given to me by Jonny Nkwokpara, Rex's bass guitarist who is alive and well in Owerri.
+Eustace Shokpeka Yes. Bonny Nkwokpara, Alika, Nwoke Ahonu and Ralph Amarabem were band members of Rex Lawson and the hail from IMO state. Other members were Prince Bull, Tony Odili, Erasmus Janewari and so on.
One of the greatest tunes from Nigeria (1st song) that became household in Ghana. Became folklore music especially in Secondary Schools, where it was mashed, lopt and cropt into various local lyrics, but the tune fundametally remained. Fantastic
I’m a Kalabari( Izon) and Ga Person combined. It is the most egocentric feeling while listening to this record in Ghana. With a Ga Landlord who has fishing experience from Bayelsa
I weep as I listened to this cardinal Rex Lawson's piece. For years in secondary school when this priceless song was minted by him, as high schools kids in the boarding house, comprising of different ethnic nationalities, we will gather at the dining hall and simulate his beats with forks, knives on wooden tables ... what a clanking noise we made! Long live Rex Lawson! I shall never forget! Cardinal gave me a happy teenage years.
It was in 1964/65 that this track "Bere Bote" became very popular in Kumasi. I was very young and since we couldn't understand and didn't know the lyrics, we sang our version to tease girls, thus "Amma e, Enowaa e; Aa yee Krofrom maa 3y3 a monware..."
Treu african legend,though kalabari man in all sense as an ibo man am proud to read that this great unsung hero of african music has an in ibo blood in his vein
If you are talking about Highlife, and you don't call rex Lawson is like cooking soup without salt . The best ever that Nigerian could ever had, because his music was the best although there are numerous Highlife musicians, like Eddie okonta, victor oliaya, Adeolu Akinsanya, Boby Benson, victor uwaifo, and many others. But jim Relaxson was the best and king of all. Although he died at his early 33years but his music never died.
I was but a wee boy, when this music came out, but I remember fondly my late Dad and Mom and most of my relatives, grooving to this music... But I remember lazy Sunday afternoons in the harmattan season, and my Dad playing this song, in our old radiogram, bliss, utter bliss... Ah Izon, Izon keme emi,? Emi ooooh.. 😎😎
Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson was a consummate Musician - one of the very best from Nigeria; he played music for the love of it; and did not think of protecting his songs as he did not expect to die so young (at 35). I am sure when he died, instead of his blood relatives trying to protect his legacy, they were all fighting to get whatever wealth he had - all of which I am sure are all gone by now. That is the story of African Musicians and their relatives. Same thing happened to Prince Nico Mbarga of Sweet Mother fame. Fela Ransome Kuti's children are smarter; maybe because he died at an older age and was more astute - business wise.
Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, as he was fondly called, was the least tribalised man in Nigeria. He was the pride of highlife music lovers especially those from the east of the Niger river. His love for the easterners were evident in his ability to sing in every eastern Nigerian many dialects. His ethnicity was never important. The most important thing was that he was, and is still loved with the same degree of affection till today. The Igbos formed the basis of his fan base. Alika man, you'll always remain evergreen in our memories. RIP. A musical genius you were indeed.
Lost my dad a week ago. I come back here to listen to this song. Bcos these were one of my Dad favourite music then. Remember when I was still very young . Early 90s . My dad use to listen to these song and tells us so many stories. Dad was also a musician at that time
Mine love to Our Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson. Soul salter. Even though I don't understand his language am spiritually tied to his music.Forever spiritually enshrined with music. Just love his calmness.
Nice music, though the music was produced before I was born. Nice tune, I love it. He must have been a great musician in his lifetime. Rest in Peace Cardinal Rex.
Omo Ghana , una no come claim that you taught the great Jim Rex Lawson how to play music!!!!! This music is another layer of rhythmic sagacity that lends itself as the foundation and the roots of our current Afrobeats!!! 👊🏾🇳🇬👊🏾🇳🇬.
Moved to tears....very strong Nostalgia....can vividly remember my Lovely Daddy of blessed memory listening to this and very many other high life tunes in the evenings. I just do t have words to express myself right now......
with this music our memories are reflected to old good days in Nigeria history immediatly after the civil war,these were among numerous music of reconcilliation and rehabilitation of Nigerians,God bless however that send this beautiful authentic unforgetable tunes.
Nice song. I wrote a piece on Rex Lawson in an online platform last month. See link here: moneyissues.ng/rex-lawson-life-and-times-of-a-highlife-legend/
The first officially released highlife song was *Yaa Amponsah* by the Kumasi Trio, ( *Kwame Asare* , *H. E. Biney* , *Kwah Kanta* ) from *Ghana* issued in London in *1928* *First Nigeria* highlife song was *Baby Jowo* in *1957* by Nigerian trumpeter *Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya* with the help of Ghanaian Legend at that time *E.T. Mensah* who also composed the iconic highlife song *Ghana Freedom Highlife* in 1957. 👊🏾 .
The greatest highlife maestro on earth...Indeed Cardinal Erekeosima Jim Kio Lawson is the best in this field,no challenge. Though he's no more but his music are still alive. Dein na mu King of Highlife.
Evergreen. Thank you for sharing your talent with us and leaving us with these great works of art. Not only is it nostalgic, it’s equally soulful: just the way you intended it to be received and enjoyed. Continue to rest Cardinal.
Hahahaha Groove you are really the man now. Making music of oldies like mordern DJ's . I love Rex music like die especially Classic Hit track of Tom Krisite. Just watch my steps guys... can't get enough of the natural sounds. Pls more of this Groove Pppplssssssssssssss.
The movie 'Half of a yellow sun' brought me here. What a great composition!! This is Classic highlife. I could even hear the Yoruba talking drum on the Bere Bote track.
"Half of a yellow sun" brought me here too: I'm yet to hear the "sound alike ......they were making when they............them". Read the book to fill in the missing words.
I have been looking for this track ever since i watched the movie. i can't even quantify the joy in my heart right now. Cardinal Rex Jim Lawnson is a legend!
Rex Lawson,s music is intertwined with my teens,my friends,my neighborhood,my country,the landscapes within and some of my dreams.Nobody can ever take that away from me. RIP Jolly Papa.
@michea5 - I agree with you. The Professonal Seagulls were a great band, however, I only have two pieces by them and I've posted both of them: Afro Baby and Atabala Woman. If I find any other Seagull tunes they will get posted for sure. Thanks and Cheers from Miami.
The best handwork in life is to be a musician! Because they live forever. So, mgbė mụ gá abịa ọzọ na ùwà nkèá, m'gabụ oti égwu... Atụrụ mụrụ ebele gbá áká nwa, iworiwo!!!
God bless those who make sure our music stays alive by posting them here.. i lack words to explain how i feel when i listen to this great legend.
Ernest Ochonogor
Bob Marley so Jah say
I grew up listening to this with my Dad. We are Yoruba and we do not even understand Igbo language.
@Osi Tech He’s speaking Kalahari language. Not Igbo 😊
+Qq Perfect Yes that's Kalabari language but most of his tracks were composed and sang in Igbo. However, It may surprise you that Rex's maternal home is Owerri and some of his band members are from Owerri, IMO State.
I do not understand a word of Izon but his music has always and will always be a delight. He was truly a Master.
Tunde Popoola Wasere!
That’s how you know that music is like spirit and universal. Good music captivates even without understanding a word of the song!
Me too. I dont understand a word but na my groove. Izon to the world
Thank you groovemonster. Late Rex Lawson was a typical proof tat music has no boundaries.
Even though we Yorubas don't understand Kalabari, yet we flowed easily with his cherished music.
I concur
Great Kalabari Ijaw man🦍❤️ RIP Sir Rex Lawson
Being a young boy of probably 5/6years old my father worked with Armels Transport in Benin City I used to sit with the house boy in his boys quarters listening to Rex Lawson on his record player. O what fond memories. I was so excited to hear his songs after 54years!!!
Teaching English. at. Midwest college. Warri
The Cardinal died on the. W
arri Sapele. Road. We. loved him then. We love him today. One day of the best musical talents in the world. Still played i Paris
Patricia Jan noe Widdess
Patricia Jane Wi
Rex Lawson died at Aghalokpe on his way to Warri from PH to play with his band who had gone ahead of him earlier. He died in a folks wagon combi bus. He complained that his driver was going too slowly. He took over the steering wheel and lost control at a sharp bend in Aghalokpe town on Abraka Sapele Road. Rex died on the spot but the driver and Rex's girl friend who were with him survived. This account was given to me by Jonny Nkwokpara, Rex's bass guitarist who is alive and well in Owerri.
*Bonny Nkwokpara
+Eustace Shokpeka Yes. Bonny Nkwokpara, Alika, Nwoke Ahonu and Ralph Amarabem were band members of Rex Lawson and the hail from IMO state. Other members were Prince Bull, Tony Odili, Erasmus Janewari and so on.
Oh yes, and the Kalabari men love the Ghana women too. I am a product of one such love story. A Buguma father with a Ghana mother
Wow !
Interesting
One of the greatest tunes from Nigeria (1st song) that became household in Ghana. Became folklore music especially in Secondary Schools, where it was mashed, lopt and cropt into various local lyrics, but the tune fundametally remained. Fantastic
Uncle Mo love these old tunes
@@emmanuelrichter8442 Ei, Nii Osei, are you on this platform?
Incle Mo I've been there since. Gramophone records
His idea was uplitfing
I’m a Kalabari( Izon) and Ga Person combined. It is the most egocentric feeling while listening to this record in Ghana. With a Ga Landlord who has fishing experience from Bayelsa
I weep as I listened to this cardinal Rex Lawson's piece. For years in secondary school when this priceless song was minted by him, as high schools kids in the boarding house, comprising of different ethnic nationalities, we will gather at the dining hall and simulate his beats with forks, knives on wooden tables ... what a clanking noise we made! Long live Rex Lawson! I shall never forget! Cardinal gave me a happy teenage years.
It was in 1964/65 that this track "Bere Bote" became very popular in Kumasi. I was very young and since we couldn't understand and didn't know the lyrics, we sang our version to tease girls, thus "Amma e, Enowaa e; Aa yee Krofrom maa 3y3 a monware..."
😜😜🤪😃😀😃
Treu african legend,though kalabari man in all sense as an ibo man am proud to read that this great unsung hero of african music has an in ibo blood in his vein
Rex Lawson's Bere Bote, the drummer killed it. Chai!!
God bless the Ijaw people worldwide
If you are talking about Highlife, and you don't call rex Lawson is like cooking soup without salt . The best ever that Nigerian could ever had, because his music was the best although there are numerous Highlife musicians, like Eddie okonta, victor oliaya, Adeolu Akinsanya, Boby Benson, victor uwaifo, and many others. But jim Relaxson was the best and king of all. Although he died at his early 33years but his music never died.
I was but a wee boy, when this music came out, but I remember fondly my late Dad and Mom and most of my relatives, grooving to this music... But I remember lazy Sunday afternoons in the harmattan season, and my Dad playing this song, in our old radiogram, bliss, utter bliss... Ah Izon, Izon keme emi,?
Emi ooooh.. 😎😎
Hi, I am Uncle Rex great nephew! Kai Kio Lawson.
God Bless You.
Thank you so kindly. And God continue blessing for you too.
Good to hear from someone related to him
Yeah a lot a people are out there using his music and family have never seen a dime. Its sad but may Uncle Rex's music live on.
Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson was a consummate Musician - one of the very best from Nigeria; he played music for the love of it; and did not think of protecting his songs as he did not expect to die so young (at 35). I am sure when he died, instead of his blood relatives trying to protect his legacy, they were all fighting to get whatever wealth he had - all of which I am sure are all gone by now. That is the story of African Musicians and their relatives. Same thing happened to Prince Nico Mbarga of Sweet Mother fame. Fela Ransome Kuti's children are smarter; maybe because he died at an older age and was more astute - business wise.
Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, as he was fondly called, was the least tribalised man in Nigeria. He was the pride of highlife music lovers especially those from the east of the Niger river. His love for the easterners were evident in his ability to sing in every eastern Nigerian many dialects. His ethnicity was never important. The most important thing was that he was, and is still loved with the same degree of affection till today. The Igbos formed the basis of his fan base. Alika man, you'll always remain evergreen in our memories. RIP. A musical genius you were indeed.
The entire Niger delta loved him . Even west of the river
Lost my dad a week ago. I come back here to listen to this song. Bcos these were one of my Dad favourite music then. Remember when I was still very young . Early 90s . My dad use to listen to these song and tells us so many stories. Dad was also a musician at that time
It's well bro
Mine love to Our Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson. Soul salter. Even though I don't understand his language am spiritually tied to his music.Forever spiritually enshrined with music. Just love his calmness.
Nice music, though the music was produced before I was born. Nice tune, I love it. He must have been a great musician in his lifetime. Rest in Peace Cardinal Rex.
Rex Lawson was an icon and a true Nigerian.
Omo Ghana , una no come claim that you taught the great Jim Rex Lawson how to play music!!!!!
This music is another layer of rhythmic sagacity that lends itself as the foundation and the roots of our current Afrobeats!!!
👊🏾🇳🇬👊🏾🇳🇬.
As in! Mtchwww
The great talented high life Guru the king of high life! may his soul rest in perfect peace with God
rex lawson was not only an accomplished vocalist but also a great trumpeter
My Dad & Mum use to dance to Rex Lawson music in the 70s when we're young
Moved to tears....very strong Nostalgia....can vividly remember my Lovely Daddy of blessed memory listening to this and very many other high life tunes in the evenings. I just do t have words to express myself right now......
listening to this with my ten year old son......long live the cardinal
Thank u so much all who made this legendary music's available for us to listen to its really refreshing
Legendary highlife maestro, rip. Brings back fond memories of my departed older siblings, uncle's and cousins.
with this music our memories are reflected to old good days in Nigeria history immediatly after the civil war,these were among numerous music of reconcilliation and rehabilitation of Nigerians,God bless however that send this beautiful authentic unforgetable tunes.
The great Cardinal REX Lawson continue to rest in peace,,,,, thanks for making me happy with this beautiful song!
Tom kirisite is a masterpiece song, thanks for posting this song online. May God bless you.
Nice song. I wrote a piece on Rex Lawson in an online platform last month. See link here: moneyissues.ng/rex-lawson-life-and-times-of-a-highlife-legend/
Great man of music! Continue to rest in peace ( respect)
Wow, i could vividly remember this song when my late beloved Father used to play it and talk about Rex Lawson.
Oh! How time flies
Nwada Barclay eke , we are not all alika, we just have ears for good music. regardless of who plays.
Playing in Milan Italy. Long live the Cardinal
Nobody will ever play danceable Highlife music as well as Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson did. He remains the eternal King of Highlife music.
This is one of the best highlife in Nigeria
Rex Lawson the Cardinal Boy! Live for ever.
just marvellous,i grew up in London with my father prince David Ita listening to this woowwww
The first officially released highlife song was *Yaa Amponsah* by the Kumasi Trio, ( *Kwame Asare* ,
*H. E. Biney* ,
*Kwah Kanta* ) from *Ghana* issued in London in *1928* *First Nigeria* highlife song was *Baby Jowo* in *1957* by Nigerian trumpeter *Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya* with the help of Ghanaian Legend at that time *E.T. Mensah* who also composed the iconic highlife song *Ghana Freedom Highlife* in 1957. 👊🏾 .
This was composed in the sixties when I was in my tender age l am still enjoying it . I'm in Ghana.
This was my music in those days. May his soul continue to rest in peace.
God bless those who preserved all this precious music
The greatest highlife maestro on earth...Indeed Cardinal Erekeosima Jim Kio Lawson is the best in this field,no challenge.
Though he's no more but his music are still alive.
Dein na mu King of Highlife.
Evergreen! Never fades! Greatly talented.
My mom Speak Kalabari so she used to explain to us what he was saying...
Evergreen. Thank you for sharing your talent with us and leaving us with these great works of art. Not only is it nostalgic, it’s equally soulful: just the way you intended it to be received and enjoyed. Continue to rest Cardinal.
Hahahaha Groove you are really the man now. Making music of oldies like mordern DJ's . I love Rex music like die especially Classic Hit track of Tom Krisite. Just watch my steps guys... can't get enough of the natural sounds. Pls more of this Groove Pppplssssssssssssss.
ADURE, my favorite Rex Lawson peice
My all-time favorite Rex Lawson piece!
The movie 'Half of a yellow sun' brought me here. What a great composition!! This is Classic highlife. I could even hear the Yoruba talking drum on the Bere Bote track.
Me too after the movie I couldn't get the song out my head
Same here oo
"Half of a yellow sun" brought me here too: I'm yet to hear the "sound alike ......they were making when they............them". Read the book to fill in the missing words.
I have been looking for this track ever since i watched the movie. i can't even quantify the joy in my heart right now. Cardinal Rex Jim Lawnson is a legend!
Rest in peace daddy, keep the groove on mummy.....Thanks for uploading this.
Ghanaians are truly the owners of Highlife music. Most Early Nigerian highlife musicians began their careers from Ghana.
Day or night the rhythm lifts you. Celestial!
Yes you are right. I did a piece on him in an online platform. See link here: moneyissues.ng/rex-lawson-life-and-times-of-a-highlife-legend/
Rex rules -- In the mid 60's he was the man and the current generation need to go back to the drawing boards for our heritage's sake!!!
My deepest thanks to you guys for saving these awesome songs. I listened to these legends during my youthful years in the '70s. God bless them all.
Rex Lawson,s music is intertwined with my teens,my friends,my neighborhood,my country,the landscapes within and some of my dreams.Nobody can ever take that away from me.
RIP Jolly Papa.
groovemonzter, you r the best. many thx
Wonderful rendition from the master himself.
This is pure music... I love it... Good job...
Thanks for posting this collection, especially Tom Kirisite. Groovemonzter you rock!!!!!!!
When was young my dad used to jam the song, still jam it 2020
God bless you that made this happen It's a healer Iam very happy for it
This music still remains an all time legendary fork tale of our cultural heritage.....
A detribalized prophet. His music reminds me of my great father and old good days. Live on Great Rex.
i like Nume Inye the best of these 3 - but they r all great!!!
@michea5 - I agree with you. The Professonal Seagulls were a great band, however, I only have two pieces by them and I've posted both of them: Afro Baby and Atabala Woman. If I find any other Seagull tunes they will get posted for sure. Thanks and Cheers from Miami.
groovemonzter
Rex is a legend
This song touched my soul each time I hear it
What a wonderful highlight musian. Exactly 50 years since he died. May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏽
Lawson's music is food for the soul only regret is that the tracks are too brief.
Brief like a sweet dish served in little quantities. It leaves you wanting more. That's how he meant it to be. Isn't it wonderful!!❤❤❤
Rex Lawson was a great musician of the 60s.
great composition from a genius, thanks 4 the upload, its great.
A classic modification of the great kpalogo melody of the Accra people when I was younger.
The King is here..
The best handwork in life is to be a musician! Because they live forever. So, mgbė mụ gá abịa ọzọ na ùwà nkèá, m'gabụ oti égwu... Atụrụ mụrụ ebele gbá áká nwa, iworiwo!!!
It would be nice if anyone could post Rex's song that goes something like this, 'Ana I don tire...' The LORD will bless you. Thank you.
groovemonster, you r the best. many thx
Cardinal my brother,I'm sorry to see you go. I'm really confused about your demise.
Beautiful music. Chai! God bless the Cardinal.
Groovemaster,you are really a master of the groove..
Still dancing 💃 💃 Bere Bite in 2019. RIP Jim Lawson #Cardinal
We will never forget you.
Rex Lawson! You're alive in our hearts. Continue to rest in peace.
I am still enjoying this song.
Good old days 🇫🇷🇫🇷
Kalabari highlife legend!!!!!!
Nigeria highlife legend!
My dad’s favorite song 😊
5*, nicey. With a good cup of coffee, this is TBram's music, while the dog is working.
Respect for life
what the raaas, can you all hear the corked trumpet.....come all and hear our wealth has come
I grew up listening to his music in Diobu
Keep it alive Please
My mum's favourite in d early 70s
African music sweet paaaaaaaa
I miss rex lawson
Gbedu 🙌🏽
I am in nairobi love. His yo yo oh baba!rip king of h
Igh life.