The thanksgiving service for sound system selector Niko Chromatic was held Saturday afternoon at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Central Kingston.

Entertainers Bugle, Jazzy T, Ding Dong, Chi Ching Ching, Bravo Ravers, Renee 6:30 and members of Coppershot Sound System were among those attending the two-hour service.

Niko Chromatic, a founding member of Chromatic Sound System, died from complications from kidney disease on May 8.

His former colleagues Creep Chromatic, Jr Chromatic and Tonio Chromatic were absent due to commitments in Canada, but Heavy D Chromatic was in attendance.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Bugle said several factors could have influenced the low turnout.

“I don’t know why, but who is not here must have a reason for why they are not here,” he said.

“People can be busy; it’s Saturday. We as entertainers always have work to do. It’s summer; a lot of artistes are probably overseas same way too, a lot of sound man playing overseas too. Saturday is a difficult day for industry people. I could have been booked and couldn’t mek it and, as close as me and Niko is, people would have asked why Bugle not here not knowing we have engagements weh we contracted fi do probably a year ago weh we haffi fulfil. People deh yah — that is important regardless of the amount. Sometimes it’s not the quantity, it’s the quality, so look at it from that perspective,” he continued.

Bugle encouraged others to cherish their loved ones while they are alive. Niko’s death hit close to home for the artiste as the selector produced his single Cherish Life last year.

“He was more than a friend; he was like a brother. You know how much years mi nuh go in a church?”, Bugle asked. “A rasta church alone mi go; a Niko wi haffi come support and show wi respect. Mi love him, a so it go, a life journey. Wi haffi just cherish life, cherish every moment. If you love somebody, you mek the person know seh you love them and show them,” he said.

Selector Jazzy T from Renaissance Sound System said he flew from Florida for the funeral.

“This really put a damp on me personally because he was a good friend of mine. I am based in Miami and any time Niko is in Miami he would make sure come to my place and eat some food. We are coming a long way. When Chromatic was just about on the break, I used to carry Niko all over and I endorsed him. I could not see this happen and not show my face. It hurt me, seriously,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Niko Chromatic (Nicholas Grant) was dressed in white in a clear view casket by Brite Lite Funeral Home. Led by Reverend Fr Kingsley Asphall, the service flowed with hymns and scripture readings by his three children and relatives.

His interment was at Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine.