Reggae legend Jah Shaka dies just days after announcing a new tour date – as tributes pour in
‘The greatest soundman who ever lived’: Reggae legend Jah Shaka dies just days after announcing a new tour date – as tributes pour in from his devastated fans
Reggae legend Jah Shaka has passed away just days after revealing a new tour date, it was announced on Wednesday.
Jah – who was also known as Zulu Warrior – was a pioneering member of London’s roots reggae Jamaican sound system.
Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, he has lived in South East London since 1956.
He became central to London’s sound system culture, producing successful records and running his own label called Jah Shaka Music – releasing songs with artists such as Max Romeo, Bim Sherman and Johnny Clark.
The producer had only recently announced a new tour date for August 19 in the days before his passing.
Tragic: Reggae icon Jah Shaka has passed away just days after announcing a new tour date, revealed on Wednesday (pictured in 2016)
Talent: Jah – who was also known as Zulu Warrior – was a pioneering member of London’s roots reggae Jamaican sound system (pictured performing at Bexhill in June)
The cause of death has not yet been announced.
The news was shared on Twitter by Benny Ill of Horsepower Productions on Wednesday afternoon, who wrote, “Rest In Power Jah Shaka.”
Devastated fans soon took to social media to share tributes and offer their condolences at the news.
His fellow Jamaican artist Dennis Alcapone wrote on Facebook, “Just got the sad news that the great Jah Shaka has passed away.
“The Zulu warrior has left us. Very sad indeed. More about that to follow. May his soul forever rest in perfect peace.”
DJ Jumpin Jack Frost tweeted, “The king of kings has left us. The greatest sound man who ever lived.’
Nadine White wrote on Twitter, “The sound system is shaped as a vehicle to deliver a message of peace. Bringing people together’
Jah Shaka, legendary reggae sound system pioneer, has passed away. A musical giant loved far and wide; a pillar within our black communities and a true messenger. Sad news.’
Devastated: Fan tributes have poured in on Twitter, with one calling Shaka ‘the greatest sound man who ever lived’
Performing: The sound system became a central part of the London scene, but Shaka also toured the US, Europe and Japan
Another fan added, “Smashed by the news of our hero Jah Shaka’s passing.
“His uncompromising attitude, dedication to inspiring the community and legendary sound system dances were the benchmark by which everyone had measured themselves. He remained our spiritual guide in everything he did.’
The Jah Shaka Sound System performed regularly in London and toured the US, Europe and Japan.
He was known for his ‘Warrior’ style of music and remained active in the music scene until the days before his death.
In a 2014 talk, Jah said, “When people left Africa for the Caribbean, all they could bring was their music, their songs and their memories from home.
“So over the years, this has been all people needed to keep them together.
‘In the fifties and sixties there were house parties in London, fifty, sixty people with only record players. It helped families get to know other families, which was important at the time because people were so forced to be separated.’
In 1980, Shaka played himself in the film Babylon, where he operated his sound system and portrayed the racial tensions he experienced upon arriving in the UK.