Tributes continue to pour in for veteran Drummer Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar

Tributes continue to pour in for veteran drummer Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar.

Sly passed away at his home this morning.

He was 73 years old.

Prime minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding are among those paying tribute to the icon.

In a social media post, Dr. Holness described Sly as a pioneer, who integrated electronic elements into traditional reggae beats, keeping Jamaica’s music modern and relevant for decades.

The Prime Minister said despite his immense international success and his order of distinction, Sly remained a humble son of the soil, always ready to mentor the next generation.

The Opposition Leader said Sly Dunbar was Jamaica’s most influential session drummer, having played on albums for numerous famous local and international artists, across several genres.

He said Sly pioneered the introduction of technological innovations into reggae drumming, including the use of Simmons pads to create an exciting new sound on many treasured hits.

In paying tribute, Minister of Culture and Entertainment, Olivia Grange said the passing of the reggae musician and record producer is “a great loss for the music”.

Ms. Grange said Dunbar was one of the greatest drummers ever.

The minister recalled the outstanding body of work produced by Sly Dunbar and the late Robbie Shakespeare, co-founders of the Taxi Records Label. 

She said Sly and Robbie produced some of the best Jamaican music, they appeared on many records and backed some of Jamaica’s most outstanding artistes including Bunny Wailer, Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, Beenie Man, Chaka Demus and Grace Jones.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Culture and Creative Industries, Nekeisha Burchell, described Sly’s death as a significant loss to Jamaica’s cultural and creative heritage.

Ms. Burchell noted that Sly Dunbar was not only a world-class musician but a creative force who helped define Jamaica’s sound and export its culture to every corner of the globe.

She said his work reshaped modern music, while firmly anchoring Jamaican creativity on the international stage.

Burchell said Sly Dunbar was rhythm, innovation, and excellence in motion and he represented the very best of Jamaican creativity, bold, original, and uncompromising in its quality.

She said his contribution to the music industry helped position Jamaica as a cultural superpower long before that term became fashionable.