Veteran Jamaican reggae artist Leroy Gibbons has handed away following a collapse at a recording studio in Hanover on Tuesday morning.
The information was confirmed by King Jammy, the legendary producer with whom Gibbons had a longstanding skilled relationship. Sources near the artist point out that he had been experiencing respiratory points in current occasions.
Gibbons was famend for his contributions to reggae music, notably within the lovers rock and dancehall genres.
Gibbons’ musical journey started in Kingston, Jamaica, earlier than he relocated to Toronto, Canada, the place he continued to develop his profession. He recorded for King Jammy’s label, contributing to the reggae scene with each authentic tracks and covers.
He gained prominence within the Nineteen Eighties with hits like “4 Season Lover,” “Samfie Lady,” and “Little Extra Like You.” His soulful voice and romantic ballads earned him a devoted fan base each in Jamaica and internationally. His 1988 album 4 Season Lover stays a standout in his discography.
Tragically, in October 2017, Gibbons was shot in Portmore, Jamaica, throughout a stroll with a pal. The incident left him with a fractured pelvic bone, however he expressed gratitude for his survival, viewing the expertise as a religious awakening.
Lately, Gibbons continued to interact together with his viewers, releasing the gospel-themed EP Heaven Sure in 2022, which featured classics equivalent to “Heaven Sounding Candy” and “Peace within the Valley.” This mission marked his return to gospel music, a style he had been a part of in his early years.
Moreover, in April 2025, Leroy Gibbons reunited with The Gospel Proclaimers for a particular efficiency on the Arise2025 live performance, celebrating 50 years of constructing music in Jamaica and the Caribbean. The group, fashioned in 1975 at Kingsway Excessive College, was as soon as Jamaica’s most sought-after gospel teams.
The reggae neighborhood has expressed an outpouring of grief following the information of his passing. Condolences have been shared throughout social media platforms, with followers and fellow artists honoring his legacy. The Rub-A-Dub Tuesdayz workforce posted on Instagram, “Can’t imagine we misplaced one other one. Condolences to his household.”
As of now, additional particulars concerning funeral preparations and tributes are forthcoming.
