The Jamaican music community gathered on March 7, 2026, to honor the life and legacy of master drummer Sly Dunbar in a celebratory funeral service that blended solemn remembrance with vibrant musical tributes. The procession traveled from the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in downtown Kingston to the picturesque Strawberry Hills in St. Andrew, marking Dunbar’s final journey following his passing on January 26 at age 74.
The historic cathedral hosted an emotional gathering of music icons, family members, and government officials who paid homage to the drummer’s extraordinary 55-year career. An all-star ensemble featuring Dunbar’s longtime collaborators provided musical backing for performances by renowned artists including Chevelle Franklin, Nadine Sutherland, Maxi Priest, Tarrus Riley, and Bitty McLean.
The most poignant moments came from Dunbar’s daughter Natasha, who shared intimate memories of her father’s humble beginnings in Waterhouse’s Compound area. She revealed how Dunbar arrived at her birth with merely $13 to his name, building his legendary career through ‘sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment’ to his family. Natasha also acknowledged her mother Thelma, Dunbar’s wife of over four decades, for her devoted care during his final years.
The service highlighted Dunbar’s revolutionary partnership with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, collectively known as the ‘Riddim Twins.’ Their Taxi label produced era-defining hits for Black Uhuru, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and countless other reggae luminaries. The duo’s groundbreaking work extended beyond reggae, collaborating with international stars like Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, and No Doubt, earning them a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1999 for ‘Friends.’
Bass guitarist Lloyd Parks, Dunbar’s friend for over six decades, delivered a heartrending performance of The Hollies’ ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.’ Tributes poured in from Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange, opposition leader Mark Golding, and music industry veterans including Copeland Forbes and Herbie Miller of the Jamaica Music Museum.
The congregation represented the entirety of Jamaica’s music hierarchy, with attendees spanning from Island Records founder Chris Blackwell and Robbie Shakespeare’s widow Marian to contemporary stars like Jesse Royal and Protoje. The collective gathering stood as testament to Dunbar’s immense impact on multiple generations of musicians and the global recognition of Jamaican musical innovation.