Rex Lawson

Rex Jim Lawson (1935 - 1971), known as Cardinal Rex, was a singer, trumpeter and bandleader from Kalabari, Nigeria. He became one of the best-known highlife musicians of the 1960s in Africa when Cardinal and his band dominated Nigeria’s highlife scene.

Background

He was born to Igbo and Kalabari parents in 1935,in New Calabar, Nigeria

Musical career

Rex Lawson began his career in Port Harcourt as a bandboy for Lord Eddyson's Starlight Melody Orchestra. He later played with Sammy Obot, Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, Chris Ajilo, and other Ghanaian and Nigerian musicians and bands. His greatest success came as the leader of the Majors Band (also called the Rivers Men in later years); their recorded hits include So ala teme, Yellow Sisi, Gowon Special, and Jolly Papa.

A highly emotional and deep musician, Lawson was known to weep and shed tears while singing his own songs on stage, notably the haunting So ala teme. The late Sir Maliki Showman, the famous Nigerian tenor saxophonist who played with Rex Lawson, Bobby Benson and Victor Uwaifo, remembers Lawson as always placing music over money. Lawson is famed for his infectious gregariousness, his musical vision, talent, perseverance and individuality. After his death, the The Rivers Men re-established themselves as The Professional Seagulls Dance Band and The Peacocks band.^[1]

Death

Lawson died in 1971 in a car accident on his way to play a show in Warri, Nigeria. He was 36 years old. After his death, his band continued as the Professional Seagulls.^[2] Lawson was married to Chief (Mrs.) Regina Rex Lawson who died in October 2008.^[3]

Discography

Albums

• Abari Biya (as Rex Lawson)
• Bere Bote (as Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson)
• Owuna Derina (as Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson)
• Nume Inye (as Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson)

Contributing artist

• The Rough Guide to Highlife (2003, World Music Network)

Musical Legacy

His music is loved to this day in Nigeria. His songs are regularly performed and danced at live band shows in Nigeria, and a number of young musicians have remixed some of his old hits, and his relevance continues to be felt. His most popular songs were "Love Adure" and "Sawale". The single "Sawale" was a hit all over Africa and has been remixed in various Africa countries like Ethiopia.

His single "Sawale" was recently remixed by Flavour N'abania to make the popular hit song, "Nwa Baby (Ashawo)"

Notes

References

• John Collins (1985). Musicmakers of West Africa. Three Continents Press. ISBN 0-89410-075-0. 

External links

• Rex Lawson, Listen to Rex Lawson's music Online
• Rex Lawson, Contemporary Africa Database - gives date of death as 1976
• Sonhala Olumnese (March 2003). "Remembering Rex Lawson". Niger Delta Congress.