Rex Jim Lawson, also known as Cardinal Rex, was a famous Nigerian singer, trumpeter, and bandleader born in Buguma, Nigeria, in March 1938. During the 1960s, he gained widespread recognition as one of Africa's top highlife musicians, leading his band that dominated Nigeria's highlife music scene.

Cardinal rex lawson

Early Life and Education 

Rex Lawson was born in Buguma, Nigeria, in the year 1938. His father was a Kalabari chieftain, and his mother hailed from Owerri, belonging to the Igbo ethnic group. His father, believing he wouldn't survive, named him Erekeosima, meaning "do not name this one." Sadly, Rex was the fourth child, as his siblings had passed away from illnesses. Despite surviving a severe case of smallpox in his youth, Rex faced neglect from his father, leading to a legal battle when he attended school. He successfully sued his father for neglect, but this strained their relationship, and they didn't reconcile until Rex pursued his musical career.

Career 

Rex Lawson started his music career in Port Harcourt as a band member for Lord Eddyson's Starlight Melody Orchestra. He went on to play with various renowned musicians and bands, including Sammy Obot, Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, and others from Ghana and Nigeria. His peak success came as the leader of the Majors Band, later known as the Rivers Men, producing hits like "So ala teme," "Yellow Sisi," "Gowon Special," and "Jolly Papa."

By 1965, Lawson had composed over 100 songs. In July 1970, he traveled to the UK, recording the album "Rex Lawson in London" between then and September.

Known for his deep emotional connection to music, Lawson was often seen shedding tears while singing, especially during performances of the poignant "So ala teme." Colleagues like Sir Maliki Showman, a tenor saxophonist, remembered Lawson prioritizing music over money. Lawson's versatility allowed him to sing in numerous languages and dialects, including Kalabari, Nembe, Ijaw (Izon), Igbo, Urhobo, Ibibio, Efik, and those of Cameroon and Ghana.

Unlike most Highlife bands that emphasized trumpets, Lawson stood out by featuring alto saxophone solos in his songs.

Cause of death 

Rex Lawson tragically passed away in a car accident on January 16, 1971, at the Urhamigbe corner on the Asaba–Benin Road. He was only 32 years old and was en route to Warri, Nigeria, for a performance. Following his untimely death, his band carried on under the name Professional Seagulls.

Rex Lawson was married to Chief (Mrs.) Regina Rex Lawson, who, sadly, passed away in October 2008.

Songs

1. Wasenigbo

2. Tom Kirisite

3. Nkpake Da Owo

4. Abasi Ye Enye

5. Yellow Sisi

6. Ufin Ekyomerisi

7. Oru Ene Ne Nyanam

8. Kusung Kusung

9. So Bra Sua Ipri

10. Serah Nene

11. Anah I Don Tire

12. Pay Me My Money

13. Major Boro

14. Amanyanabo Ama Okite

15. So Bo Ibibi Na

16. Susana Pango

17. Adigboloja

18. Atiyemia

19. Peri Special Mbanga

20. Nume Inye

21. Akwa Abasi

22. Ese Ayang

23. Oko

24. Ene Bate

25. Love Mi Adure

Legacy 

Rex Lawson's music remains cherished in Nigeria, with his songs frequently performed and danced to at live band shows. Many young musicians have remixed his classic hits, ensuring his influence endures. Among his most beloved tracks are "Love Adure" and "Sawale," the latter being a pan-African hit with remixes in countries like Ethiopia.

Notably, Flavour N'abania remixed Lawson's "Sawale" into the popular song "Nwa Baby (Ashawo)."

Recognizing his musical legacy, the Rivers State Government honored Lawson by naming a street after him in the Borokiri neighborhood of Port Harcourt. In June 2018, the Rex Lawson Cultural Center in Port Harcourt was inaugurated by Rivers State Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as a tribute to Lawson's contributions to the cultural scene.