Legendary Drummer Sly Dunbar Passes Away at 73

Legendary Jamaican drummer Sly Dunbar, renowned for his contributions to reggae music, has passed away at the age of 73. The news emerged after Dunbar was found dead at his home on Monday morning.
Sly Dunbar’s Musical Legacy
Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who died in 2021, Dunbar formed the iconic production duo known as Sly and Robbie. Together, they played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of reggae and produced numerous hit songs across various genres.
Tributes and Remembrance
Following the announcement of his death, tributes flooded in from artists around the world. Notable British DJ David Rodigan hailed Dunbar as “one of the greatest drummers of all time.” He expressed sorrow over the loss, stating, “Reggae has lost a true icon.”
- Rodigan emphasized Dunbar’s impact, mentioning his work with legends like:
- Bob Marley
- Bob Dylan
- Dennis Brown
- Grace Jones
- The Rolling Stones
- Sting
Singjay Mr. Vegas referred to Dunbar as his “greatest teacher/producer,” offering heartfelt sentiments, “Walk in peace, Daddy Sly Dunbar! You greatly impacted our culture! Fly high!!!”
Rory Stone Love, a sound system pioneer, labeled the day a “sad day for Jamaica and reggae,” stating, “We have lost one of our greats.”
Continuing Influence
Sly Dunbar’s influence transcended reggae, extending into rock and pop music. His legacy lives on through the multitude of artists he worked with and inspired during his extraordinary career.
As tributes continue to pour in, the music community collectively mourns the loss of Sly Dunbar, a true legend in the world of music.


