Sly Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer who gained fame as a member of the production duo Sly and Robbie, has died.

Observer Online understands that Dunbar passed away suddenly at home on Monday morning. He was 73.

Dunbar along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who died in 2021, played and produced countless hit songs.

Tributes to Dunbar have been pouring in from across the world in response to news of his passing.

Iconic British disc jock David Rodigan called Dunbar “one of the greatest drummers of all time”, noting that reggae has lost a true icon.

“Such a tragic loss for he was dearly loved,” Rodigan wrote on Instagram. “He produced and contributed to records across reggae, rock and pop, with the likes of Bob Dylan, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Grace Jones, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Sting and so, so many more.”

Singjay Mr Vegas called Sly his “greatest teacher/producer”.

“Walk in peace, Daddy Sly Dunbar! You greatly impacted our culture! Fly high!!!” he said.

Meanwhile, sound system pioneer Rory Stone Love said it was a “sad day” for Jamaica and reggae.

“We have lost one of our greats,” he said.

Observer Online will have more details on this developing story.