Sly Dunbar’s final ‘taxi ride’ took place on March 7, 2026 from the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on North Street downtown Kingston to scenic Strawberry Hills in the slopes of St Andrew.

The master drummer, who died on January 26 at age 74, was given a rousing send-off at the historic church.

An all-star band comprising several of his long-time colleagues backed artistes he worked with in his 55-year career, among them Chevelle Franklin, Nadine Sutherland, Leba Hibbert, Peter G, Maxi Priest, Tarrus Riley, and Bitty McLean.

There were many tributes, with the most personal coming from Natasha, his only child, who shared memories of a humble father who never forgot his roots in the Compound area of Waterhouse.

“He always told me that when I was born, he came to the hospital with $13 in his name, and that $13 was in his pocket. From that moment on, everything he built was from sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment to making sure his family was taken care of,” she told the congregation.

Natasha also paid tribute to her mother, Thelma, who cared for her husband of over 40 years.

“You embody your marital vows to live and honour in sickness and in health,” she said.

The Dunbar family acknowledged the support of artistes, musicians, medical staff who cared for him, and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange.

Bass guitarist Lloyd Parks, Dunbar’s friend of over 60 years, did a heart-rending rendition of The Hollies’ He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.

Also paying tribute were Grange, veteran tour manager Copeland Forbes, Rorey Baker, Herbie Miller of the Jamaica Music Museum, Senator Thomas Tavares-Finson representing Prime Minister Andrew Holness, leader of the Opposition People’s National Party Mark Golding, and Clive “Busy” Signal.

Throughout the service, Dunbar’s successful partnership with bassist Robbie Shakespeare was recalled. Their Taxi label produced countless hit songs, including Black Uhuru (General Penitentiary, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner), Dennis Brown (Revolution, Sitting And Watching), Gregory Isaacs (Soon Forward), Jimmy Riley (Love And Devotion) and The Tamlins (Baltimore).

The “Riddim Twins” also collaborated with Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, and No Doubt.

Sly and Robbie won the Best Reggae Album Grammy Award in 1999 for Friends.

Shakespeare died at age 68 in December 2021.

Attending the service were Dunbar’s sister Norma; Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records; Marian Shakespeare, widow of Robbie Shakespeare; Dean Fraser; Earl “Chinna” Smith; Steven “Lenky” Marsden; Paul “Jah Screw” Love; Junior “Bird” Bailey; Everol “Stingwray” Wray; George “Dusty” Miller; Donald “Danny Bassie” Dennis; Mitchum “Khan” Chin; Glen Browne; Bongo Herman; Franklin “Bubbler” Waul; Robbie Lyn; June Isaacs; Brian and Wayne Jobson; Bobby Clarke of Irie Jam Radio; Hopeton Lindo; Cherine Anderson; Jesse Royal; Protoje; Josef Bogdanovich; Danny Browne; and Ali McNab.

— Howard Campbell

Bitty McLean offers a tribute. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

From left: Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia Grange greets Sly Dunbar’s daughter Natasha and widow Thelma at the start of the funeral for the musical great.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Maxi Priest (left) and Ali Campbell, former UB40 lead singer(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Lloyd Parkes (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Beenie Man (left) and Dwight Richards pay last respects to Sly Dunbar on Saturday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)