KINGSTON, Jamaica — Describing the passing of Stephen “Cat” Coore as a terrible shock, Opposition Leader Mark Golding shared his condolences to the family of the reggae icon on Monday.

In a Facebook post, Golding described Coore as a phenomenal musician, highlighting his enormous contribution to Jamaican popular music over five decades.

“As a founder of Third World, one of our leading musical groups, his technical and compositional genius played a major role in pioneering the fusion of eclectic musical styles into the bedrock of reggae,” he said.

Noting that the hallmark of Third World was intense musical creativity, Golding also highlighted their willingness to explore the boundaries of where reggae could go. He said their deep and extensive catalogue of albums comprises an important part of the overall richness of Jamaica’s musical tradition.

“Cat’s virtuoso performances on the guitar and cello, along with his subtle vocal harmonies and occasional lead voice, played a major role in building the group’s international acclaim and commercial success. His guitar solos are among the best in the genre,” Golding said.

Recalling more personal memories of the musician, Golding said the two shared interests in music and cricket, and enjoyed good conversations whenever their paths crossed.

“I saw him most recently last Friday at the [University of the West Indies] UWI Chapel, on leaving a funeral. We warmly embraced, with promises that we would soon talk. The news this morning of his passing is therefore all the more shocking,” he said, expressing sympathies and condolences to Coore’s wife, family, friends, musical colleagues and fans.

“Thank you for the music, Cat. May your soul rest in peace and the choirs of angels welcome you into paradise,” Golding added.

READ: Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, Jamaican music icon and Third World co-founder, dies at 69