On the day of Rex Lawson's death l was in Benin-City with my friend John Aliu Our plan was to write our last paper of GCE A/L Exam and travel immediately to catch up Rex. Just as we're to board a Bus to Warri our attention was drawn to series of Rex music played by the then Mid-West Radio Station. The Radio paused to confirm our frears. Initial excitement of our Warri trip turned to wailing. I am 72 years old. And because l grew up with Rex Lawson l listen to his music all the time.
Beautiful job covering such a special artists. My parents are Nigerian. I was born in the states. I grew up listening to Rex Lawson in the 80s and 90s because my Dad played the music a lot. I had not heard it in decades and yesterday the name of the artist popped in my head, and I searched up the name in my Apple Music. Sure enough, the music was there. I was immediately transported to my childhood and tears rolled down my face. Tears of joy. What special artists. He has impacted many lives in a positive way. He was named no name and now has a big and beautiful legacy. All Glory to the Most High 🙏🏽
Tears of nostalgia uncontrollably roll down my eyes and cheeks,as I read this script/presentation of the greatest highlife-music maestro nigeria ever had...His charisna was too much...Pa Rex as we called him in those days was the BEST....I was at his gig in the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus in I966 yuletime...Oh Papa Rex...My St Patrick's College,Emene classmates who were there were Alfred Ochukpue a.k.a. Papido Castro(I went with him)...and Friday Nwafor a.k.a.Oko Parnaby...Boys!!!!....Fantastic groove!!!...Some members of the band we saw were Tony Odili(congas),Jim Joe(guitar),Francis(saxophone)Ben Jack(trombone) Forcha the Camerounian(maracas) Ezekiel(guitar) et al...You could be transfixed while watching Pa Rex,blowing his trumpet,singing in his characteristic yet exceptional voice; his stagewalk was mesmerising...Oh!...he sang the track...OSIMA OWUARI...his latest release at that time...The rhythm has the sound semblance of the immortal JOLLY PAPA...I could write a book about Rex...For now...suffice is to say...Amen...So be it...
Thank you Beautiful, for this history lesson. I'm 63 & since my childhood days, I never stopped loving Rex Jim Lawson's music. I have 3 most favorite Nigerian musicians since my youth. Rex, Victor Uwaifo & Sunny Ade. These 3, I put in the same class as Bob Marley, Michael Jackson & composer/arranger/producer Quincy Jones. These guys are a blessing from heaven to the world, hence they're in a class by themselves. I've lived in the US for more than half my life. I still remember the indescribable joy I felt, the day I first stumbled on Rex's & Uwaifo's music on the internet. Since then, I feed on them like food & water (my children keep asking "dad, what are you always listening to? What kind of music is that?" you're a pastor!!) My answer? "Y'all ar' Amercans so you won't understand". But, they've heard'em long enough & now they lov'em. Again, God bless you for letting me & the world know the history behind this legend. Yes you're right. "He had no name at birth, but in death, his name lives on". Thank you.
I am a huge highlife fan, a bigger Rex Lawson fan. I listen to highlife music almost everyday. I live in fear that the legacies of men such as Jim Lawson, Victor Olaiya, Celestine Ukwu, Osita Osadebe, Gabriel Omollo, Hensawh, etc and the genre of highlife music will one day disappear, because artist these days are not interested in this kind of music. On a brighter note, I want to thank Beautiful Nubia for this excellent documentary. If we still have great script writers in Nollywood, the life of this legend should and must be preserved in film.
First of all, I want to say a very big thank you to you Egbon Segun Akinlolu "Beautiful Nubia" for your well and nicely crafted composition and profound research about Cardinal Rex Lawson. I am in my late 30s but I grew up in Lagos, Ebutemetta to be precise listening to ever green songs of Rex Lawson, Akinsanya, Nightingale, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Oliver Decoque, Haruna Isola, and many more. I for one fell in love with Highlife especially. Thanks for educating this generation of how great quality, melodious, lyrical and harmonious the Oldies music were. Thanks for being that bridge Beautiful Nubia. Olodumare a ma fun yin se. Ese gan
Really appreciate this channel for documenting Nigerian musical artists, it is an important part of musical history, archiving the trials and tribulations of ordinary people who left a lasting legacy for future generations of musicians to be inspired by. Thank you, this video is very moving.
Very Nice Biography of him for people who loves his music but doesn't know his background. I grew up with his lovingly music. God bless you people for keeping it alive. All of you should remain blessed. From USA.
God bless you sir, Gen. Beautiful Nubia for this documentary. This is how to pass history to generations. This documentary just made my day. Now i know who is Law Rexson whom I always hear in KSA's songs. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Rex Lawson was a part of my growing up thanks to my grandmother. I eventually got to meet his wife and children, including the lady featured in the documentary. Thank you for this fantastic work. His name and music will surely live forever.
Beautiful Nubia - Thanks for this enriching documentary on Cardinal Rex Lawson. I lived a part of me in Port Harcourt so I know how he is well respected especially the older generations who knew him first hand. His music was undeniably original. RIP Legend
My uncle used to be a DJ on a radio station, he’s passed now and he said Rex Lawson is one of the greatest highlife musicians we ever had in Nigeria. My late uncle believed that the decline of highlife was due to his death immediately after the civil war…
Wow! Thank you, Mr. Nubia. This is the most comprehensive work on the life and times of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson. My eyes were moist throughout. He died so young and could have achieved more. His memories live on.
To the Presenter: I immediately subscribed when I saw the heading of this program. I came to know about Rex Jim Lawson before the Nigeria/ Biafra war. He was a resident musician 🎶 in Onitsha in the 1960's. I was a secondary school student in the mid 60's. I was fortunate to accompany some senior boys to a show at Dolphin Cafe in Onitsha. That was the first time I saw him on stage. I will never forget it.
Welldone to Beautiful Nubia for this great documentary. Am so happy to read and listen to this works on Cardinal Rex Lawson, so satisfying.And thanking, Mr. Tony Odile and others into this inside-out.
An excellent fine musician. Trumpet virtuoso in the class of the best. I rank him high in quality in the class of apogee of the indomitable Satchmo (Louis Armstrong), Hugh Masekela, Dizzy Gillespie et al.
I consider myself the number one fan of this man. My uncle had all his records in the 60s but he has lost all. I managed to find some to buy but those ones I listed are very special to me as if my life depends on them. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this excellent video, Rex Lawson was an incredible man and musician and his story deserves to be told like this. Such a shame how little attention highlife gets today, when it is really some of the most beautiful music I've heard. It's so hard to find good information online, even in an age where so much else is only a few clicks away. Thank you for your work in remembering and preserving a true legend.
What a documentary on a maestro I had craved to connect with in flesh and blood but for death. Hearing from his daughter, band members and others who knew him personally is most overwhelming. I can't thank you enough for this spectacular piece of history. Eternally grateful, Sir.
Big thanks to Beautiful Nubia for taking upon himself to do this documentation. I grew up to love his music. I was 14 years when ge died and quite sad when the news came though young, but can never forget how musicians hit the airwaves with dedicated tracks in his memory. Rest peacefully on, the great legend!
Thank you Beautiful Nubia for this perfect documentary. The compilation and title are just as beautiful and evergreen as your music. I only heard about Rex Lawson in a tribute song by Late Pa. Orlando Owoh Owomuyela which first caught my attention to the name Rex Lawson. Again, thank you for this evergreen work of yours. God bless.
Sir! This is a very great, and thorough work. Like your music, the documentary is revealing and triggering. Rex lived a very short, but fulfilling life. I know that someday, people who truly should be valued and honoured across all fields in Nigeria would be elevated to their relevance. Including you Beautiful. I love you.
Thank you soooo much for doing this documentary. The internet has long been very limited on any valuable information about him. It’s so good to learn a little about his character and see one of his children. I always wondered about him and other artists like osadebe
On the day of Rex Lawson's death l was in Benin-City with my friend John Aliu
Our plan was to write our last paper of GCE A/L Exam and travel immediately to catch up Rex.
Just as we're to board a Bus to Warri our attention was drawn to series of Rex music played by the then Mid-West Radio Station. The Radio paused to confirm our frears. Initial excitement of our Warri trip turned to wailing. I am 72 years old. And because l grew up with Rex Lawson l listen to his music all the time.
Thank you for sharing this memory with us. God bless you.
What year did he release his hit song "Sawale"
Thank you very much for this service to Our the Greatest Legend Our Great Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson
Beautiful job covering such a special artists. My parents are Nigerian. I was born in the states. I grew up listening to Rex Lawson in the 80s and 90s because my Dad played the music a lot. I had not heard it in decades and yesterday the name of the artist popped in my head, and I searched up the name in my Apple Music. Sure enough, the music was there. I was immediately transported to my childhood and tears rolled down my face. Tears of joy. What special artists. He has impacted many lives in a positive way. He was named no name and now has a big and beautiful legacy. All Glory to the Most High 🙏🏽
Tears of nostalgia uncontrollably roll down my eyes and cheeks,as I read this script/presentation of the greatest highlife-music maestro nigeria ever had...His charisna was too much...Pa Rex as we called him in those days was the BEST....I was at his gig in the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus in I966 yuletime...Oh Papa Rex...My St Patrick's College,Emene classmates who were there were Alfred Ochukpue a.k.a. Papido Castro(I went with him)...and Friday Nwafor a.k.a.Oko Parnaby...Boys!!!!....Fantastic groove!!!...Some members of the band we saw were Tony Odili(congas),Jim Joe(guitar),Francis(saxophone)Ben Jack(trombone) Forcha the Camerounian(maracas) Ezekiel(guitar) et al...You could be transfixed while watching Pa Rex,blowing his trumpet,singing in his characteristic yet exceptional voice; his stagewalk was mesmerising...Oh!...he sang the track...OSIMA OWUARI...his latest release at that time...The rhythm has the sound semblance of the immortal JOLLY PAPA...I could write a book about Rex...For now...suffice is to say...Amen...So be it...
Thank you Beautiful, for this history lesson. I'm 63 & since my childhood days, I never stopped loving Rex Jim Lawson's music. I have 3 most favorite Nigerian musicians since my youth. Rex, Victor Uwaifo & Sunny Ade. These 3, I put in the same class as Bob Marley, Michael Jackson & composer/arranger/producer Quincy Jones. These guys are a blessing from heaven to the world, hence they're in a class by themselves. I've lived in the US for more than half my life. I still remember the indescribable joy I felt, the day I first stumbled on Rex's & Uwaifo's music on the internet. Since then, I feed on them like food & water (my children keep asking "dad, what are you always listening to? What kind of music is that?" you're a pastor!!) My answer? "Y'all ar' Amercans so you won't understand". But, they've heard'em long enough & now they lov'em. Again, God bless you for letting me & the world know the history behind this legend. Yes you're right. "He had no name at birth, but in death, his name lives on". Thank you.
I am a huge highlife fan, a bigger Rex Lawson fan. I listen to highlife music almost everyday. I live in fear that the legacies of men such as Jim Lawson, Victor Olaiya, Celestine Ukwu, Osita Osadebe, Gabriel Omollo, Hensawh, etc and the genre of highlife music will one day disappear, because artist these days are not interested in this kind of music.
On a brighter note, I want to thank Beautiful Nubia for this excellent documentary. If we still have great script writers in Nollywood, the life of this legend should and must be preserved in film.
You’ve mentioned three of my favourites who I listen to almost every day. I’ll have to check out the other two
First of all, I want to say a very big thank you to you Egbon Segun Akinlolu "Beautiful Nubia" for your well and nicely crafted composition and profound research about Cardinal Rex Lawson. I am in my late 30s but I grew up in Lagos, Ebutemetta to be precise listening to ever green songs of Rex Lawson, Akinsanya, Nightingale, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Oliver Decoque, Haruna Isola, and many more. I for one fell in love with Highlife especially. Thanks for educating this generation of how great quality, melodious, lyrical and harmonious the Oldies music were. Thanks for being that bridge Beautiful Nubia. Olodumare a ma fun yin se. Ese gan
Thanks for this. Rex Lawson deserves all the recognition.
I appreciate this.
Just stumbled upon this. Thank you Beautiful Nubia. Indeed his name lives on.
A nicely done documentary about the greatest highlife musician that ever lived. Thanks for the effort, and may Cardinal Rex Lawson Rest In Peace.
My grandpa used to play his music a lot, come to find out one day in like 2017 he casually dropped they were brothers. I had to look up who he was. 😭
Thank you .....this is my hometown
And Cardinal Rex Jim Kio Lawson is indeed a king.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with the world! May the Cardinal be remembered for his legacy.
I hardly comment on UA-cam. Thanks Mr Beautiful for this masterpiece documentary. May Cardinal Rex Lawson's soul continue to rest in peace, amen.
I never knew his his humble beginning but growing up in the 50s and the 60s, his music was so popular and still dear to my heart. He was great.
Really appreciate this channel for documenting Nigerian musical artists, it is an important part of musical history, archiving the trials and tribulations of ordinary people who left a lasting legacy for future generations of musicians to be inspired by. Thank you, this video is very moving.
Very Nice Biography of him for people who loves his music but doesn't know his background. I grew up with his lovingly music. God bless you people for keeping it alive. All of you should remain blessed. From USA.
God bless you sir, Gen. Beautiful Nubia for this documentary. This is how to pass history to generations. This documentary just made my day. Now i know who is Law Rexson whom I always hear in KSA's songs. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
I was today's old knowing this man although I've heard the sound since my childhood. May the his soul be filled with light and peace 🕊️
Thank you for this documentary. Things like this can be put on Netflix.
Rex Lawson was a part of my growing up thanks to my grandmother. I eventually got to meet his wife and children, including the lady featured in the documentary. Thank you for this fantastic work. His name and music will surely live forever.
Beautiful Nubia - Thanks for this enriching documentary on Cardinal Rex Lawson. I lived a part of me in Port Harcourt so I know how he is well respected especially the older generations who knew him first hand. His music was undeniably original. RIP Legend
May his soul continue to rest in peace Amen 🙏
My uncle used to be a DJ on a radio station, he’s passed now and he said Rex Lawson is one of the greatest highlife musicians we ever had in Nigeria. My late uncle believed that the decline of highlife was due to his death immediately after the civil war…
Awesome. Happy to know more about this great man. Many thanks Nubia.
Thanks for this Beautiful Nubia.
Thank you beautiful, such a beautiful documentary, he lived a short while but achieved so much at 32. I'm awestruck.
Wow! Thank you, Mr. Nubia. This is the most comprehensive work on the life and times of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson. My eyes were moist throughout. He died so young and could have achieved more. His memories live on.
Wow beautiful Nubia telling the story of a legend
To the Presenter:
I immediately subscribed when I saw the heading of this program. I came to know about Rex Jim Lawson before the Nigeria/ Biafra war. He was a resident musician 🎶 in Onitsha in the 1960's. I was a secondary school student in the mid 60's. I was fortunate to accompany some senior boys to a show at Dolphin Cafe in Onitsha. That was the first time I saw him on stage. I will never forget it.
THERE SHOULD BE A MOVIE ABOUT REX LAWSON ,THE KING OF HIGHLIFE
This is a great documentary, he was way before my time. I just heard a song of his and I needed to know more. Thank you so much.
Wow! What a great man he was.
Thanks Beautiful for this story. By the way, you are a good story teller sir. We need more of this from you baami🙏
This is beautiful and brilliant.
Welldone to Beautiful Nubia for this great documentary. Am so happy to read and listen to this works on Cardinal Rex Lawson, so satisfying.And thanking, Mr. Tony Odile and others into this inside-out.
An excellent fine musician.
Trumpet virtuoso in the class of the best. I rank him high in quality in the class of apogee of the indomitable Satchmo (Louis Armstrong), Hugh Masekela, Dizzy Gillespie et al.
Excellent Piece!
The best, the maestro. His style was so original. Legend!!!
Thanks for sharing the story of the great Rex Lawson. May his soul continue to rest well
Wow!!! That's what I can say. Beautiful nubia ways on point respect to the legend
God bless you Beautiful Nubia for this beautiful documentary. Rex was a legend
Great job good brother
I consider myself the number one fan of this man. My uncle had all his records in the 60s but he has lost all. I managed to find some to buy but those ones I listed are very special to me as if my life depends on them. Thanks.
Do you know the year he recorded his hit song "Sawale"?
Thank you so much for this amazing journey into the life of a legend. Continue to Rest in Peace Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson.
Thank you for this wonderful story.
This documentary is just awesome!!
This is so important and well done.
I cry watching this😭
❤Thank you for this valuable information about my best musician.
Thank you for the documentary
Well articulate work . Thank u sir
Awesome documentary.
Egbon, thank you for the effort and hardwork.
Unforgettable Rex Lawson !
Thanks for this coverage 😊
Thank you so much for this excellent video, Rex Lawson was an incredible man and musician and his story deserves to be told like this. Such a shame how little attention highlife gets today, when it is really some of the most beautiful music I've heard. It's so hard to find good information online, even in an age where so much else is only a few clicks away. Thank you for your work in remembering and preserving a true legend.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
This is an amazing documentary. Very detailed. God bless you for taking out time to do this. 🙏🏾
Really enjoyed this. Thanks for the documentary
What a documentary on a maestro I had craved to connect with in flesh and blood but for death. Hearing from his daughter, band members and others who knew him personally is most overwhelming. I can't thank you enough for this spectacular piece of history. Eternally grateful, Sir.
thank you thank you for this. so much
You can't keep talent like the late Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson's under wraps. Just listen. ❤. We'll be listening till man stops roaming the earth.
Beautiful biography…….
Long Live Cardinal Rex❤️
Just like Bob, he died quite early. Rest on the highlife king
Big thanks to Beautiful Nubia for taking upon himself to do this documentation. I grew up to love his music. I was 14 years when ge died and quite sad when the news came though young, but can never forget how musicians hit the airwaves with dedicated tracks in his memory. Rest peacefully on, the great legend!
Thank you Beautiful Nubia for this perfect documentary. The compilation and title are just as beautiful and evergreen as your music. I only heard about Rex Lawson in a tribute song by Late Pa. Orlando Owoh Owomuyela which first caught my attention to the name Rex Lawson. Again, thank you for this evergreen work of yours. God bless.
Good old days 😎😁😎😎😁
Rex Lawson, is the only musician and individual, that single-handedly, united Nigeria. Bar none!
thank you for this video!
This is awesome
Whao! Thanks for this great findings and compilation of the life and times of this great legend, sir. Very education and enlightening. Thank you.
One of the glorious voices of the golden dawn of Nigerian contemporary art. I stan
This is really educating
God bless you sir for this documentary. I don't know him but I feel the ingenuity behind the work. Rest on Sir Rex!
Thank you beautiful nubia
Sir! This is a very great, and thorough work. Like your music, the documentary is revealing and triggering.
Rex lived a very short, but fulfilling life.
I know that someday, people who truly should be valued and honoured across all fields in Nigeria would be elevated to their relevance. Including you Beautiful.
I love you.
Kudos to you for this wonderful documentary on Legendary Rex Lawson
Good job Beautiful Nubia
Awesome documentary about a wonderful personality.
I love this. Wish I can get the videos of Rex Him Lawson.
Huge Cardinal Rex fan and I just early thirties.
Thank you soooo much for doing this documentary. The internet has long been very limited on any valuable information about him. It’s so good to learn a little about his character and see one of his children. I always wondered about him and other artists like osadebe
Keep resting Rex😢
Pls upload more of this genius 's music. Songs like Mbeku, Aminye, Sie so etc,
May your gentle soul rest in peace Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson
Thanks for the good job
🙏🏾 thank you for this
Hmmmm.
RIP Rex
Genius..
The man was ogbanjé but this is what some of them do
What year was "Sawale" released? Please help.
Alabo Rex Lawson
7 kids by 32?
10