The Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk continues its daily year in review of people who made an impact during 2017.

PASSAGE – GAZA MAXWELL

LESS than one month after releasing RIP — a tribute song to people who died — former Portmore Empire artiste Gaza Maxwell was killed at age 34.

According to the Constabulary Communication Unit (CCU), the entertainer, whose given name is Maxwell Lawson, was stabbed on September 25 while at a recording studio in Springfield, St Thomas. He later succumbed to injuries.

A male suspect was taken into police custody for his murder.

Maxwell’s former manager, Milton Foster, remembers Gaza Maxwell as a talented singjay.

“He was one of the first artises I signed to my label in 2011. He was like a brother to me and taught me a lot about the music. He made a lot of links for me before Frass Out Records became a success,” Foster told the Jamaica Observer.

“Even though we had our differences in 2016 and wi went our separate ways, wi always respected each other and supported each other music. It’s a shame in 2017 when wi just start link back and wi plan to put out new music it never got to happen,” Foster added.

Gaza Maxwell emerged on the dancehall scene in 2009. He is best known for Bun Fi Bun, his collaboration with Portmore Empire boss Vybz Kartel.

He followed up with Sumptn Fi Sumptn, All Dem A Talk, Hold Dem Yah, Summa Deh Yah, and War. The latter was a collaboration with Merciless.