Kingston, 26 January 2026 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said that the passing of the Reggae musician and record producer Sly Dunbar is “a great loss for the music”.

Dunbar died on Monday (today) after a period of illness.

Minister 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. “Sly and Robbie produced some of the best Jamaican music, they appeared on many records and backed some of our most outstanding artistes including Bunny Wailer, Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, Beenie Man, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Grace Jones and Omi, among others.”

Minister Grange said Sly and Robbie were sought after by international artistes.

“Sly and Robbie were the ‘go to’. They produced and/or played on tracks for several international acts including No Doubt, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Fugees and Simply Red. Sly was a truly gifted and remarkable musician and producer whose passing today is a great loss for the music,” said Minister Grange.

Minister Grange has expressed condolences to the family, friends and all those who mourn the Grammy winner.

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