KINGSTON, Jamaica — The funeral of Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder of legendary reggae band Third World, is now underway.

Politicians and music moguls are in attendance at the thanksgiving service for Coore, widely recognised as one of Jamaica’s most respected musicians.

Present at the funeral are music icon Sean “Sean Paul” Henriques, Minister of Culture Olivia Grange, Finance Minister Fayval Williams, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, Max “Maxi Priest” Elliott, and others.

News of the sudden death of the iconic guitarist on January 18 this year shocked Jamaica and reggae fans worldwide, prompting tributes from members of the Government and those in the entertainment sector.

Coore was one of the early members of the band Inner Circle before leaving to start Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper.

Third World’s pioneering fusion of reggae, soul, funk, pop, and rock helped shape the reggae-fusion sound and propel Jamaican music onto the global stage.

The band achieved international acclaim with enduring classics such as Now That We’ve Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade and Try Jah Love, becoming one of Jamaica’s longest-running and most successful bands.

Coore, who is celebrated for his exceptional musicianship, compositional brilliance and deep musical knowledge, was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Jamaican culture and the creative arts.

He leaves behind his wife Lisa, his children, Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, his grandchildren, as well as extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and countless fans across the globe.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding attends the funeral of Stephen Cat Coore (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Ministry of Culture Olivia Grange speaks at the funeral of Stephen Coore (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley attends the funeral of the late Stephen Coore (Photo: Karl Mclarty)