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Tributes Pour In For Reggae Legend Bunny Wailer

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bunny-holness
Bunny Wailer, Prime Minister Andrew Holness

The world has lost a musical icon following the news that Reggae legend Bunny Wailer died today.

Wailer had been recovering from a stroke and seemed to be on the mend but apparently, his health took a turn for the worst. The singer died at Andrew’s Memorial Hospital in Kingston, according to the Culture Ministry.

Wailer, whose real name was Neville Livingston, had an illustrious career that spanned at least seven decades. He was the last surviving member of the original Wailers that included Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness expressed his condolences to the family of Jah B as he was fondly called.

“My deep condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Reggae artiste, Neville Livingston, also known as Bunny Wailer, JahB.”

He also said that Wailer was one of the foundation artists of reggae.

“Considered one of the longtime standard- bearers of Reggae music, Bunny Wailer was founder and an original member of Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae group, “The Wailers” along with late Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Bunny Wailer is a three-time Grammy Award winner. In 1991 he won the award for Best Reggae Album, “Time Will Tell,” a tribute to Bob Marley.

“Four years later, he won another Grammy with the album “Crucial Roots Classic”, and in 1997, his third Grammy was awarded for the “Hall of Fame”, a tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary.”

PM Holness ended the tweets by acknowledging what a great loss it was for reggae music and fans who loved Wailer around the world.

“This is a great loss for Jamaica and for Reggae, undoubtedly Bunny Wailer will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music industry and Jamaica’s culture. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

Another Jamaican politician paid homage to the veteran singer.  Peter Phillips used Facebook and posted: “The passing of Bunny Wailer, the last of the original Wailers, brings to a close the most vibrant period of Jamaica’s musical experience. Bunny was a good, conscious Jamaican brethren.”

Former Jamaican Opposition leader Mark Golding also mourned the loss of Wailer and vowed to preserve his legacy. “Bunny Wailer will live on as a cultural legend and icon. Jah B was a founding member of the Wailers, which has been the most influential contributor to the development of Jamaican popular music and, by extension, Brand Jamaica. We are proud that he hailed from Trench Town in South St. Andrew and we will continue to honor and treasure his legacy and extend our condolences to his family, friends and fans.”

Dancehall artiste, Shaggy also paid his respects through Facebook. He said: “It’s clear that 2021 will not be a better year than 2020, this is one of the lowest moment in the history of our culture. Bunny Livingston aka: Bunny Wailer founding member and sole survivor of the trio the Wailers is no longer with us. This is a great loss for reggae and the Jamaican people and Reggae fans around the world. You have made us proud king’ rest well. Condolences to the family. R.I.P. Bunny .. your music will forever wail!!!”

Conscious dancehall artiste Capleton said, “Condolence to the family of the great legend Bunny Wailer. We give thanks for all your musical contributions. Rest In Power”

Many prominent artists and fans expressed their condolences as well. Take a look at some of them below.

“Rip to the Legend #bunnywailer condolences to the family,” wrote Macka Diamond.

Mr. Vegas said, “Walk good great one! Your spirt reigns supreme!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7D-Qwl9PA/

BBC deejay Seani B said, “Another legend is now gone, but he will never be forgotten. RIP BUNNY WAILER.”

Dancehall veteran Spragga Benz said “There will be celebration in Zion… Safe travel Jah loyal soldier. #honor Jah B.”

Gramps Morgan – “A VERY SAD DAY for our Reggae World #bunnywailer our legendary Reggae Icon has passed away #wailersforever Condolences to his entire family this one RUFF!!!”

Demarco – “REST WELL ICON/LENGEND #SIP #bunnywailer”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7DQ4HHvPi/

Professor Donna Hope of UWI was “awash in a sea of memories. The news that Bunny Wailer has passed hit me hard.”

She shared: “This photo is a memory of my first trip to Italy in July, 2009 to make a presentation at the University for Foreigners in Perugia, to see Vatican City, to see Florence, and my first visit to Rototom Sunsplash in Osoppo. It was also the occasion of Jah B’s return to Italy, that place he had left behind after its atrocities. At Rototom Sunsplash, Bunny Wailer was greeted like royalty by the men and women of Rastafari, and by all those assembled in the Rastafari tent. We stood as Jamaicans to witness the honour and reverence with which he was greeted. His return was triumphant, ceremonial. His performance that night was stunning. I have loved and respected Jah B, a petite and graceful man whose musical contribution and personality has stretched across the globe. Rise in Power Jah B. Even as my heart breaks for the loss of one more of our Legends, I salute you. My deepest condolences to your children, family, friends and your innumerable fans across the globe. It is one Perfect and unbroken Order. #Bunny Wailer #Legend #Wailer #musician #icon #artiste #Jamaica #Rasta #Rastafari #Love #Family #Reggae.”

Richie Spice – “Rest up uncle Bunny real legend you will be missed king !!!”

British radio DJ David Rodigan wrote, “RIP Bunny Wailer truly an iconic figure and music maestro who’s solo career resulted in one of the most brilliant and inspiring albums in the entire Reggae lexicon…’Blackheart Man’.”

“His contribution to Jamaican music across the past 60 years is immeasurable,” he added.