Published
Thu, Feb 18, 2021, 23:05
- Popularly known as Daddy U-Roy, the veteran artist suffered from kidney problems.
U-Roy, an innovator in reggae, Afrobeat and dancehall, died in his native Jamaica on Wednesday.
Local media as well as Trojan Records first reported the news. The Kingston-born singer and producer had diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney issues, his partner Marcia Smikle told Kingston newspaper The Gleaner. On Tuesday, U-Roy underwent surgery at the University Hospital of the West Indies for internal bleeding, she explained. That operation was successful but afterwards, "the doctors realised that somewhere else was blocked up, and they had to take him back to theatre on Wednesday," she continued. After his heart stopped three times, he died that day, she said.
Despite his long-suffering illness, Smikle added that the pioneering musician was still making dubplate specials.
Born in 1942, U-Roy, real name Ewart Beckford, was known as The Originator for his distinctive way of toasting—a conversational style of talking and singing over reggae and dancehall beats that Jamaica-born DJ Kool Herc later introduced to New York.
Widely regarded as the godfather of dancehall and the precursor of hip-hop, U-Roy became a superstar in Jamaica in 1970 following the release of his hit singles "Wake The Town” and “Wear You To The Ball," which were created in partnership with singer John Holt and producer Duke Reid. In 2007, Jamaica awarded U-Roy an Order Of Distinction for his musical work.
Tributes for the revolutionary artist have flooded social media since the news of his death.
On Facebook, dub artist and Ariwa label boss Mad Professor wrote: "What can I say? A very sad moment of transition for the man who inspired Ariwa. Without him, there would be no Ariwa. From I was 15 when I heard Version Galore I wanted to work with U-Roy. And I finally got the chance in 1991 when we met in LA. This is one of the highlights of Ariwa. We last spoke two weeks ago, and he was quite frail, but quite quiet. As we mourn the loss, we have the memories of this amazing talent. We have the stories. Without him there would be no Dancehall, no hip-hop, no rap, no Afrobeat.”
On Instagram, Shaggy described U-Roy as "a true legend" in dancehall and reggae, calling him "a master at his craft."
Read more eulogies for U-Roy below.
Photo credit: Roger Garfield/Alamy