Rex Nettleford

At 8:00 on February 2 — a day before his 77th birthday — Jamaica and the Caribbean lost one of its cultural luminaries.

Historian, dancer, choreographer and cultural icon, Professor Rex Nettleford died in an American hospital tonight, six days after he collapsed in his hotel room in Washington.

Nettleford, who reportedly suffered a massive heart attack and was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit, never regained consciousness.

In addition to being Vice Chancellor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies, Nettleford was most known for his work in the area of dance and was one of the founding pillars which formed the 50-odd year old National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC).

Oneil Edwards

O’NEIL Edwards, a member of the trio Voicemail, died in the Kingston Public Hospital on May 26.

Edwards was critically wounded after he was shot several times as he attempted to enter his home at Belloc Avenue in the middle class community of Duhaney Park early on the morning of Monday May 10.

The artiste’s funeral was primarily attended by the younger members of the entertainment fraternity, many of whom were clearly overcome with grief.

The main suspect in the shooting was found dead in the Chancery Hall community this two days later. Police had attempted to arrest the man earlier that day but he escaped.

Edwards’ cellular phone was found in the dead man’s possession.

Sugar Minott

FOUNDATION reggae and dancehall artiste, Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott passed away Saturday July 10at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew.

Sugar Minott, who was born Lincoln Barrington Minott on May 25, 1956, earned for himself the moniker Godfather of Dancehall. He is credited with being the pioneer, who, by laying vocal tracks over the original tapes from the ’60’s, rather than using a live band creating a sound that brought a new style to Reggae music known as dancehall.

A prolific songwriter and singer, Sugar Minott is has over 60 albums and is known for such anthems as Herbsman Hustling, Mr DC, House is not a Home, No Vacancy, Good Thing Going and Never Gonna Give Up Jah.

Keith Stewart

Pioneer entertainer Keith Stewart lost his battle with cancer of the kidney on Wednesday, November 3. The singer is known for his collabs with Enid such as Worried Over You and The End.

Sonia Pottinger

No, they didn’t have a date, but veteran producer Sonia Pottinger bid this world goodbye on the same day that Keith Stewart did — November 3. She leaves behind an impressive catalogue of musical works.

Gregory Isaacs

Dubbed the Cool Ruler for his easy relaxed style of performing when he takes centrestage. The passing of Gregory Isaacs on October 25 has left a gap that will never be filled. He is best known for his classics Night Nurse, Tune In, Number One, Rumours and Soon Forward.