Jamaican authorities officers and Reggae musicians have paid tribute to musician Michael “Ibo” Cooper, one of many founding members of the Third World band, who died on Thursday.
In accordance with studies, the 71-year-old musician had been ailing for a while. He died at his dwelling in Jamaica.
Amongst those that paid tribute to the musician and educator included Jamaica’s Minister of Leisure, Tradition, Gender, and Sports activities Olivia “Babsy” Grange who expressed condolences to his kids Arianne, Akiri, and Abean.
“Ibo was a robust and fixed voice for the music trade and an exemplary music instructor,” she wrote on the social media platform X, previously Twitter.
“Generations of Jamaican musicians have been formed by him, and our trade is best for having had him. I additionally benefitted from his recommendation as a member of the Leisure Advisory Board (EAB). Could his soul relaxation in perpetual peace,” she added.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness additionally paid tribute, saying that “Ibo was a real cultural Ambassador, taking reggae music and model Jamaica to the farthest corners of the world. His music of affection, upliftment, and peace mirrored the essence of reggae music.”
Holness added that Cooper “was a part of the period which represented the epitome of true reggae music of affection, unity, and peace. … Ibo has left a legacy of excellence buttressed by his expertise, endearing character and & for his household, music, and nation.”
Cooper’s demise comes months after his son, famed Jamaican disc jockey Arif Cooper died out of the blue in March.
Learn: Popular Jamaican DJ Arif Cooper has died
His spouse Pleasure additionally handed away final month.
Cooper was a member of the Reggae band Interior Circle and a founding member of the Reggae band Third World.
Third World was initially shaped in 1973 by Cooper, a keyboardist, and guitarist/cellist Steven “Cat” Coore. Cooper left the band in 1997.
By way of Instagram, Coore wrote, “The soundtrack of your life will reside on my brother. Fly away dwelling to Pleasure, Afrif, and all of your musical household”.
Additionally sending condolences have been Jamaican musicians Gramps Morgan, Wayne Marshall, Jesse Royal, and Chino McGregor, amongst others.
Cooper served as head of the Caribbean, Latin American, and Jazz division, now referred to as Widespread Music Research, on the Edna Manley School of the Visible and Performing Arts in Kingston. He was additionally chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Trade Affiliation (JARIA).
In 2005, he alongside his former bandmate Coore obtained the Order of Distinction, within the rank of Officer (OD), for his or her contribution to Jamaican music.
