While 2024 was undoubtedly a year where love blossomed into beautiful proposals that brought us joy, it was also a year of immense sadness. We lost a number of stalwarts in the entertainment industry this year, some of which still feel unreal.

It’s hard to believe that these individuals, who once brought us sheer joy with their outstanding talent, are no longer with us Earthside. But, as the consummate professionals they were, these dearly departed did not leave without a legacy. As we reminisce on their life’s work, may their memories live on forever.

Peetah Morgan: Lead singer of Morgan Heritage, Peter Anthony Morgan died on February 25. His family announced his passing via social media even as they urged the public for privacy to grieve their loved one. His cause of death has not been disclosed. Morgan led the Grammy-winning group including Una Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan, and Memmalatel “Mr Mojo” Morgan — children of reggae artiste Denroy Morgan. They are known for a number of singles, including Don’t Haffi Dread, Down by The River, and Reggae Bring Back Love.

Aston “Family Man” Barrett: February was heavy with grief as renowned reggae bassist Family Man Barrett also passed away. The late singer’s son announced his father’s death via social media on February 3. He said his father passed away following a “long medical battle”; however, the cause of his illness was not disclosed. Aston Barrett was 77 years old at the time of his death. The legendary bassist played for reggae icons, among them Bob Marley and the Wailers, Burning Spear, and Augustus Pablo. In 2021 he was honoured with the Order of Distinction (Commander class).

Alan Magnus: It was a triple dose of death in February for the entertainment industry as the month also saw the passing of the veteran broadcaster. The late media practitioner’s family said he died on February 3. Magnus, who turned 80 years old in December 2023, worked with RJR for over 40 years. Known as the Good Morning Man, he was honoured with the Order of Distinction in 1993 for his contribution to broadcasting.

Kingsley Cooper: The founder of Pulse Investments died at age 71 on June 18 in a Florida hospital. Remembered for his sterling contribution to the fashion and entertainment sectors by his peers and political leaders, Cooper helped to develop the talents of several well-known models including Kimberly Mais, Nadine Willis, and Althea Laing. Cooper reported fell ill and had been airlifted to the United States for treatment.

Ifidel Williams: One of the supporting vocalists on the television reality talent series Digicel Rising Stars, he died on Sunday, August 4. He was reportedly ailing for some time before his passing. A former student of Jamaica College, Williams studied at Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts and worked on various USAID projects and with government agencies. He also served as Ashe performing arts company’s integrated marketing and communications lead.

Tony Wilson: Renowned choreographer and dancer Tony Wilson died on October 17. It is reported that he had been ailing for some time before his passing and had been hospitalised on multiple occasions prior to his death. Wilson is the founder and former artistic director of Company Dance Theatre. Following news of his death Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said culture and entertainment in Jamaica, dance in particular, suffered a severe blow as Wilson was “among the best dancers and choreographers produced by Jamaica”.

Robert Russell: The renowned Montego Bay businessman Robert “Ducksie” Russell died at the Hospiten Hospital on December 11. He was 76 years old. Russell, the patriarch of the popular family-owned Pier One open-air restaurant, bar and entertainment centre in Montego Bay, co-founded Reggae Sumfest in 1993. Dubbing Russell “a visionary whose dedication and leadership helped elevate Jamaican music globally”, the Reggae Sumfest team, in a statement, said his passing leaves a void “in the hearts of countless music lovers and industry players”. Russell is survived by his wife Beverley, five children, grandchildren, a brother, and sister.