Nereus Joseph will be laid to rest Aug 25
A thanksgiving service for singer/producer Nereus Joseph will be held August 25 in London.
He died in that city in July at age 61.
The St Lucian-born Joseph, who was a mainstay of British reggae for over 40 years, moved with his family to the United Kingdom at age seven.
As an artiste, he was known for his recordings for Fashion Records and his Sirius Music label.
His songs included covers of Bunny Wailer’s Fig Tree and Dennis Brown’s Things in Life.
As a producer, Joseph worked with many acts such as Anthony B, Teflon, Pinchers, Michael Buckley, Empress Ayeola, and Wayne Lyrics.
The latter told the Jamaica Observer that he first met Joseph in 1999. They worked on a number of projects, including three of Wayne Lyrics’ albums, the last being I Conquered released last year.
“Nereus was a kind, humble, and respectful person. If you met him and tell him you need a heart he gave his heart to you; that’s the kind of person he was. He was always looking out for others because he loved helping people,” said Wayne Lyrics.
Joseph and Wayne Lyrics’ last collaboration was the Bandulu rhythm, which came out in April.
Derek “Tubbs” Lawrence, Joseph’s long-time friend and manager, knew him for 36 years. They first met in 1987 when Joseph released his first album, Love Gotta Take Its Time, released by Fashion Records.
“His legacy can be seen in all those who he helped, encouraged, and worked with. He will forever be remembered by the gift he left us with, the huge catalogue of music,” said Tubbs.
Nereus Joseph is survived by his five children, grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters.
