VETERAN guitarist, composer, and songwriter Dwight Pinkney has described late Skatalites drummer Lloyd Knibb as an innovator whose creativity helped establish Jamaican music as a world leader.

Knibb was 80 when he succumbed to liver cancer on May 12. His passing has plunged the local music fraternity into mourning, with many issuing tributes in his memory.

Here is Pinkney’s tribute.

“Lloyd Knibb, apart from being a wonderful human being, was a true innovator and a founding father of Jamaican popular music from mento through to reggae and even influences for dancehall.

“Because of his natural talent, coupled with his early exposure to jazz drumming as well as his experience with the varied Jamaican and African rhythms, he was able to create a very unique style of explosive and dynamic drumming which has been pivotal in establishing our compelling Jamaican brand as world leader in popular music form.

“He will be sadly missed by his many fans worldwide, and especially by us here in Jamaica. Condolences to his family, and may his soul rest in peace.”