Today the 16th of June 2023, Arif Michael Cooper would have been 50 years of age. I want to celebrate him by thanking all the families, friends, and well-wishing associates for their prayers and outpouring of love.

Please allow me to apologise for a lack of response, especially in the immediate weeks of his departure from this Earth life. Honestly, there were those moments when I did not want to have direct contact with anyone.

Let me first thank:

Aaron’s friend who was in the audience and called immediately.

Arif’s assistants Corie “Scientist” Forbes, DJ Vaughn, and Samantha of the Fresh Ear Crew for shielding him from the cellphone photographers who are too popular these days and can cause insensitive social media posting.

The persons who attempted emergency medical procedures, namely, Kamla Forbes and my friend music engineer David Rowe’s daughter, who is a nurse and held him in her arms as he breathed his last.

All the persons who assisted in moving him to the hospital. Constables Devar Johnson and Pecco for physical assistance and for shutting down the session tastefully.

The doctor and staff on duty at Andrews Memorial for trying their utmost to revive him.

His cousin Scott Dunn who arrived immediately to assist Arif’s brothers and sons and managed the subsequent events.

Coleen Douglas for her invaluable help until now.

His Aunt Maydene, Racquel Nunes, and her friend for helping Arif’s mom immediately.

His friends Kishroy and Dello. His bestie Sean Newell.

His uncle Patrick Atkinson and his daughters Nicole, Lee, and Abbie.

His cousins Duane Atkinson, Christopher Atkinson, Dave Atkinson.

The courteous Half-Way-Tree Police Station, especially Constable T Walker.

The prime minister for an immediate, public, comforting statement.

The leader of the Opposition for reaching out personally.

The minister and Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Entertainment Advisory Board (EAB) for offering immediate assistance and participating in all the ceremonies.

The RJR/Gleaner Group for the function held in his honour on their compound and for further participation in the other ceremonies.

Jamaica College for donating the auditorium to a Fervet brother.

The sponsors: Ping’s, Starlight Productions, A+A Furniture, Romeo Dixon, Appleton/ Campari, Romeich Entertainment, Heineken, Grace, Pure Country, Ron Young/Jangas, Juici Patties, Dream Entertainment, Wisynco, Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, Jamaica Fire Brigade, JAMMS, JACAP, Medicare Ambulance, the emcees Debbie Bissoon and Scientist.

The artists: Akwaaba Drummers, The Edna Manley College, IN2NATION, Kurt Riley, Franco, Zachary Harding, Bongo Herman, Beenie Man, Tami Chynn, Wayne Marshall, General B, Alaine, Demarco, TOK, Sean Paul, Looga, Vanzo, Mr Lexx, Chris Martin, Voicemail, Black-er as well as those who attended but were too emotionally affected to perform.

For their tech, graphics, bar décor and security support, Donna Hussey, Mystic online, Shane Jackson, Keanu Gordon, Barcode, Mack Squad, Bridget Anderson, and Bones Fairclough.

Webster’s Memorial Church and JaRIA, as well as the musicians who supported: Dale Brown, Chris Tyrell, Brinton Haughton, Alaine, Velia Espeut, Phebe Anne Henry, Demario McDowell, Rev Paul Blake, Rev Junior Tucker, Sharon Tucker, Kadian Dixon, Andrea Cowan, Sandra Samuels, St Andrew Parish Church, Tranquility.

CRU, Paula Surtees of Island Coffee and Creatives for Peace, Yvonne Hope, and Tracy Commock and her family.

Please remember Arif’s life fondly, his contribution to the development of Jamaican music and the moments of happiness and joy that he brought to us with his creativity, songwriting, and productions from the studio to the DJ console.

Yours sincerely,

Ibo