KINGSTON, Jamaica — Following the sudden passing of their team member, Ifidel Williams, the Ashe Company is set to host his nine-night ceremony tonight.

Scheduled to take place at the group’s home at 8 Cargill Avenue in St. Andrew, the event will feature several tributes as Ashe seeks to honour Williams’ legacy as an outstanding figure in the performing arts industry. According to Conroy Wilson, Ashe’s executive director, the service will start at 6:00 pm, with tributes beginning at 8:00 pm.

It will “reflect the essence of Ifidel—his cheerful, large energy, his love for people, music, dance, praise, and worship—all of which he was very passionate about.”

Wilson expressed that while members of the group were aware of Williams’ illness, his death came as a huge shock, as they all expected him to recover. He added that Williams’ passing has left a significant void, as he had greatly contributed to the group’s growth over the years.

“Ashe is mourning the loss of one of our alumni who contributed so much. Tonight, even as we continue to mourn his death, we will do our best to honour the love and life that was Ifidel,” he shared, noting that Williams, being the light he was, would have wanted no less. “If there was one message Ifidel would have wanted to share with the world, it would be, ‘live your life fully and make a positive impact on every space you enter.’ He lived that, and that’s why the entertainment fraternity and Ifidel’s circle have been so very supportive and will come together tonight to show our love and support.

The nine-night will be recorded and made available on the performing arts company’s YouTube channel, @theashecompany.

Williams, also known for his role as a supporting vocalist on Digicel Rising Stars, passed away on Sunday, August 4. The details of his death have not been disclosed.

In addition to his work on Digicel Rising Stars, Williams also provided backing vocals for Tessanne Chin and Billboard chart-topper Diana King.

Wilson told Observer Online that as the company remembers their loved one, they plan to memorialize him in a meaningful way through the establishment of a scholarship bearing his name. The scholarship will be awarded to a prospective tertiary-level student pursuing studies in the performing arts and/or production.