Reggae musician Sly Dunbar has died.
Sly Dunbar played drums in the reggae duo Sly & Robbie. PDO
Jamaican reggae musician and producer Lowell “Sly” Dunbar has died at the age of 73, says BBC.
Dunbar, who played drums, was best known as a member of the reggae duo Sly & Robbie.
Dunbar’s wife Thelma found her husband lifeless on Monday morning, after which he was pronounced dead. The musician’s agent later confirmed the news to the BBC.
– I went to wake him up and he didn’t react, I called the doctor and it was news, he commented to a Jamaican newspaper.
The cause of death has not been released, but Dunbar was said to have been ill for some time.
– He had a good day yesterday. He had friends over and we all had so much fun. He ate well yesterday, although sometimes he is not interested in food. I knew he was sick, but I didn’t know he was this sick, Thelma stated.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness posted his condolences on the messaging service X.
– On behalf of the government and people of Jamaica, I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and the music community. Rest in peace forever, Sly. Your rhythm continues to beat in our hearts, he wrote.
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Sly Dunbar was one of the most influential drummers in reggae music, especially known for his duo Sly with bassist Robbie Shakespeare & Robbie. During his career, Dunbar played and produced countless albums for international artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Grace Jones.
During their decades-long career, the Sly & Robbie duo also worked for such world stars as Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Britney Spears and Madonna.
Dunbar’s precise, innovative drumming style shaped reggae and dancehall rhythms for over four decades. Dunbar left a lasting mark on the global music scene and cemented Jamaica’s position as a global center for rhythm music.
Robbie Shakespeare died in 2021.