Entertainment Year in Review
Remembering those who died in 2022
Published:Friday | January 6, 2023 | 12:06 AM
In 2022, the ‘Grim Reaper’ struck in many unexpected places, from nine-year-old Khalif Lawrence, the son of dancehall artiste Aidonia, and his wife Kimberley Megan, to two members of the iconic reggae group, the Mighty Diamonds, and left the music and entertainment fraternity in mourning. This is always the most difficult piece to put together on the annual Year in Review, but pay tribute we must.
James Samuels
James ‘Winston’ Samuels, a former member Desmond Dekker’s backing band, The Aces, passed away in January from COVID-19. He was 78.
Gladdy from Wild Bunch Disco
Veteran sound system owner and selector Gladstone ‘Gladdy’ Parker of Wild Bunch Disco died on February 19. Gladdy started the sound system in 1963 with George Phillpotts and Charles Kennedy and spread musical excellence in Jamaica and internationally. Gladdy was honoured for his contribution to the Jamaican music scene.
Denroy Morgan
Denroy Morgan, the reggae singer and patriarch of the Grammy Award-winning sibling group, Morgan Heritage, died on March 3 at his Atlanta home. The 76-year-old father of 30 chidren, 104 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren released the disco flavoured song, I’ll do Anything For You, in 1981. It became a smash hit, peaking at number nine on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart.
Tabby and Bunny Diamond
Donald ‘Tabby Diamond’ Shaw and Fitzroy ‘Bunny Diamond’ Simpson made their transition days apart, Tabby on March 29, and Bunny on April 1. The Mighty Diamonds, of which Judge Diamond is now the only living member, gave us anthems, such as Pass The Kutchie, Right Time, I Need A Roof and Heads Of Government. The Diamonds were conferred with the Order of Distinction in 2021.
Barbara Gloudon
On May 11, broadcaster, journalist, and theatre icon, Barbara ‘Miss G’ Gloudon, died at The University of the West Indies Hospital at age 87. A giant in her various fields, Gloudon was a scriptwriter for the Little Theatre’s annual pantomime, with the first being Moonshine Anancy and the last All Aboard the Windy Rush in 2018. She was inducted into the Order of Jamaica in 1992.
Andrea Stewart, wife of Tinga Stewart
Andrea Stewart, a harmony singer and the wife of veteran artiste, Tinga Stewart, died on May 5 at The University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew. She was 42 years old.
Trevor Nairne
Renowned artistic director and founder of Jambiz International, Trevor Nairne, passed away on May 22. He was 73 years old. His life was remembered at a cultural tribute at the Litle Theatre. In 2010, he was conferred with the Order of Distinction and was also the recipient of several Actor Boy awards.
David Minott
David Minott, the 16-year-old grandson of dancehall veteran, the late Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott, lost his life while visiting Somerset Falls in Portland on May 22. A straight-A student at Wolmer’s Boys’ School, his family and friends described David as a humanitarian with a heart filled with love.
Donna-Lee Donaldson
Social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson, 24, was reported missing on July 13, but her body has not been found. Her boyfriend, Constable Noel Maitland, is charged with her murder. Maitland remains in custody and returns to court on February 9.
Leonard ‘Merciless’ Bartley, the ‘Warhead from Clarendon’
“Howdy! Di place just get rowdy.” Leonard was a great talent in the dancehall whose monster hit, Mavis, produced by Robert Livingston and Shaun ‘Sting International’ Pizzonia, claimed Song of the Year in 1995. Merciless exploded on to the scene with Len Out Mi Mercy, a song which was first beat out at a Stone Love dance at House of Leo. He passed away suddenly on July 19 at the age of 51.
George Hunter
George Hunter, a founding member of the roots reggae group, The Ovationz, passed away on July 30 in Queens, New York. He was 66. A Kingston College old boy, he first formed with the Banana Boys with Melvin Trustee and Trevor Flowers, and had a hit with Chi Chi Bam Bam. Years later, the Ovationz was formed and enjoyed success with the single, Shy Girl.
Dudley Sibley
Foundation artiste, Dudley Sibley, died on July 30 at his home in St Andrew. He was 73. A ska and rocksteady singer, his song, Gun Man, climbed to the top 10 of the British charts and was the first song in Jamaica to use that title. It was not glorifying the gun, but was banned in Jamaica. Sibley is survived by his only daughter, Grace Corvino, and five grandchildren.
Aneka ‘Slickianna’ Townsend
Two months after her passing, Aneka ‘Slickianna’ Townsend, who was nominated for Female Influencer of the Year, was recognised at the MECA Awards. The body of the 35-year-old social media influencer was retrieved by the marine police in the Reading area of St James on October 21.
Leonie Forbes
Leonie Forbes, a pioneering voice in television and radio, and an icon of theatre passed away on October 25 at the age of 85. One of the first voices on Jamaican radio as an announcer, she also played leading roles in 12 pantomimes and has acted in several successful plays. Forbes was the recipient of the Order of Distinction, the Silver Musgrave Medal and the Centenary Medal.
Tyrone Downie
Keyboard prodigy, Tyrone Downie, best known for his involvement as a member of Bob Marley and The Wailers, passed away on November 5 in Kingston. He was 66.
Khalif Lawrence
Khalif Lawrence, the nine-year-old son of deejay, Sheldon ‘Aidonia’ Lawrence and his wife Kimberly, died in hospital on December 3 after being ill for some time. Khalif’s passing shocked the music fraternity; many prayers were sent up for the couple.
Jo Mersa Marley
Reggae singer Jo Mersa Marley, the first child of Stephen Marley, passed away on Boxing Day. The Marley brothers’ label, Ghetto Youths International, issued a statement. “Joseph ‘Jo Mersa’ Marley was a strong, humble, talented, beautiful human being. A son, husband, father, brother, nephew and cousin and a well-loved Young Lion. The Ghetto Youths International family is deeply saddened by his untimely passing and appreciate the outpouring of love by fans, friends and colleagues. Jo’s memory, spirit and his music will live on as a testament to his great impact in his short 31 years.”