Kingston, 11 April 2025 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said the music world is in deep mourning yet again, with the passing of Maxwell Livingston Smith, ‘Max Romeo’,  who died in hospital this evening.
He was 80.

Minister Grange's statement:

“The legendary singer and songwriter Max Romeo, was one of the pioneers of Jamaican music. His music not only provided entertainment but much of it addressed social issues such as poverty, inequality, and justice.

His hit songs such as ‘War Inna Babylon’, on the album which was perceived to be his best work, ‘Let the Power Fall’ and ‘Revelation Time’ were powerful social commentaries. The strength of his voice and his emotive delivery will also long resonate with us.

Max Romeo was probably as popular in the United Kingdom as he was in Jamaica. In 2023 he did his ‘Ultimate Tour’ which saw him performing in 56 cities in the UK and across Europe taking along with him on the tour the popular Lutan Fyah and Droop Lion.

He had also performed backing vocals on The Rolling Stones song, ‘Dance’, on the album ‘Emotional Rescue’. The compliment was returned when Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones co-produced and played on Max Romeo’s album ‘Holding out my love to you’.

Max Romeo who also made the Billboard Charts, had a tremendous impact on the evolution of Jamaican music.

I am very happy that we inducted Max Romeo into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame earlier this year at the Reggae Gold Awards Ceremony during Reggae Month at the National Indoor Sports Centre. As I have always said, the fraternity and the country at large, should strengthen the habit of hailing our stalwarts while they are alive and able to enjoy the honour. Such is the purpose for the annual Reggae Gold Awards. Give them their flowers before they are gone.

My sincerest condolences to his widow Charm, his children, relatives, friends, and associates.

Rest well my brother, you have played your part in contributing to our music and culture that are now at the centre of Brand Jamaica.”

END