The reggae world is in mourning following the death of legendary drummer Sly Dunbar, who passed away at the age of 73. Dunbar was best known as one half of the groundbreaking rhythm section and production duo Sly & Robbie, whose innovative sound shaped reggae music for decades.
A Pioneering Musical Partnership
Dunbar formed his legendary partnership with bassist Robbie Shakespeare in the 1970s, creating what would become one of the most influential rhythm sections in music history. Together as Sly & Robbie, they worked on hundreds of recordings that spanned the evolution of reggae music and crossed over into mainstream pop and rock.
Collaborations Across Genres
Their musical journey began with foundational reggae artists including Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, both former members of Bob Marley's Wailers. As their reputation grew, they expanded their collaborations to work with international superstars such as Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, and the iconic Grace Jones, bringing their distinctive Jamaican rhythms to global audiences.
Sudden Passing After Good Day
Dunbar's wife Thelma confirmed the sad news to The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, revealing that she discovered her husband unresponsive when she went to wake him at approximately seven o'clock in the morning. "I called the doctor and that was the news," she said, describing the devastating moment.
Despite Dunbar experiencing a period of ill health, his death came as a profound shock to his family. "Yesterday was such a good day for him," Thelma Dunbar explained. "He had friends come over to visit him and we all had such a good time. He ate well yesterday... sometimes he's not into food. I knew he was sick... but I didn't know that he was this sick."
End of an Era for Reggae Music
Dunbar's passing marks the end of an era for reggae music, coming just five years after the death of his musical partner Robbie Shakespeare in 2021 at age 68. Together, they created a musical legacy that influenced countless artists and helped define the sound of Jamaican music for generations.
The duo's innovative approach to rhythm and production earned them the nickname "the riddim twins" and established them as one of the most sought-after rhythm sections in the music industry. Their work spanned multiple decades and genres while always maintaining their distinctive Jamaican musical identity.
As tributes begin to pour in from across the music world, Dunbar's contribution to reggae and popular music will be remembered as both groundbreaking and enduring. His distinctive drumming style, characterized by its precision and innovative use of electronic elements alongside traditional reggae rhythms, helped shape the sound of modern Jamaican music.
