Late Chief Romanus Ementa Okonkwo.
The entire Board and members of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), have got into mourning mood over the demise of Chief Romanus Ementa Okonkwo, best known by his business name, “Rogers All Stars”.
Chief Okonkwo, a statement issued by Chief Tony Okoroji, COSON board chairman, disclosed that he was one of the greatest entrepreneurs that the music industry in Nigeria had ever witnessed.
Nigeria’s biggest copyright collective management organisation, in mourning his the passing further described him as a devoted COSON, unassuming gentleman, a great supporter of COSON who participated actively in making COSON a respected institution.
Said Chief Tony Okoroji, COSON chairman, while speaking on the phone with deceased son, Obiora Okonkwo: “Your father was my friend, and we shared mutual respect. His Rogers All Stars label and studios played unforgettable roles in the promotion of popular music in Nigeria.
“His vision and investment in a hitherto unknown Prince Nico Mbarga and his Rocafill Jazz Orchestra, which gave birth to the humongous hit song, ‘Sweet Mother’, probably the most successful song ever recorded in Nigeria, remains the decision of a true master.
“Before then, he had assembled the blockbuster Ikenga Superstars of Africa, who shook dance floors from coast to coast. I am sure that there will never be another Chief Romanus Okonkwo, a gentleman to the core. I and the entire COSON family, will miss him”.
Chief Okonkwo will be laid to rest in his home town, Umuakpu in Awka, Anambra State on Friday, May 9, 2025.
