👑 HAIL THE KING 🕊️

🇯🇲The reggae world continues to mourn and celebrate the life of Owen Lennox Moncrieffe — Fantan Mojah, one of Jamaica’s distinctive voices of conscious reggae.

Fantan Mojah died on July 14, 2026, aged 49, at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston following heart-related complications.

But his passing has brought something powerful to the surface — the respect of his fellow Jamaican artists and the renewed appreciation for his music.

🎤 JAMAICA’S ARTISTS PAY TRIBUTE

Across social media, performances and memorial events, members of Jamaica’s music fraternity have been remembering Fantan.

🔥 Capleton paid an emotional tribute, describing Fantan as a great youth in music and recognising the contribution he made to reggae.

🎶 Etana shared footage of Fantan performing and encouraged fans to remember the greatness and energy he brought to the stage.

💚 Shaggy was also among the Jamaican artists paying respect to Fantan’s musical legacy.

🎤 Ikaya, Bugle and Yaksta were among the other artists connected to the wave of tributes following his passing.

And the tributes have not been limited to Jamaica.

At Reggae Jam 2026 in Germany, Fantan’s fellow reggae artists continued the celebration of his music, with a tribute featuring Sizzla, Anthony B and Capleton.

There is also footage from the Fantan Mojah Tribute Show at Reggae Jam 2026, including performances of his music.

🎥 We’ve seen the tributes. We’ve heard the stories. And we’ve watched artists who shared the stage with Fantan honour the man behind the music.

🕊️ UWI MONA — HAIL THE KING

On August 13, 2026, family, friends, musicians and members of the Rastafari community gathered at the University Chapel, UWI Mona, for Fantan’s public viewing and thanksgiving service.

The service opened with approximately 15 minutes of powerful drumming from the Binghistra movement.

Musicians then performed Fantan’s songs, including his signature anthem “Hail the King.”

Among those attending were veteran reggae singer Marcia Griffiths and music producer Skatta Burrell, alongside members of Jamaica’s Rastafari community.

Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange also paid tribute, describing Fantan as a globally recognised voice for Rastafari and conscious reggae.

🤯 DID YOU KNOW?

Before the world knew him as Fantan Mojah, he performed under another name:

MAD KILLER

Yes — the conscious reggae singer who became known for songs praising Jah and speaking against corruption originally used the stage name Mad Killer, inspired by his admiration for Bounty Killer.

Fantan came through Jamaica’s sound-system culture, travelling on sound-system trucks and performing during sound checks.

His decision to embrace Rastafarianism changed the direction of both his life and his music.

He became Fantan Mojah — and a new musical chapter began.

His conscious lyrics, Rastafari message and distinctive stage presence would eventually take him from Jamaica to audiences around the world.

🎶 THE MUSIC LIVES ON

Fantan’s breakthrough album Hail the King arrived in 2005 and featured songs including:

👑 Hail the King
🔥 Hungry
✊🏾 Corruption
🎵 Nuh Build Great Man feat. Jah Cure

The album performed particularly well in Europe and helped lead to three consecutive European tours in 2006.

He later released albums including Stronger, Rebel I Am and Soul Rasta.

📈 AND THEN SOMETHING AMAZING HAPPENED…

Following Fantan’s death, listeners went back to his catalogue in significant numbers.

On the US iTunes Reggae charts:

🥇 Soul Rasta climbed to No. 13
🥈 Stronger rose to No. 18
🥉 Hail the King re-entered at No. 73

His passing sparked a renewed interest in music that had already touched fans across the globe.

🇯🇲 THE FINAL FAREWELL

The family and community funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Elderslie, St Elizabeth, where Fantan Mojah will be laid to rest at the family plot.

From Mad Killer to Fantan Mojah.

From the sound-system truck to international reggae stages.

From “Hail the King” to a catalogue that is now being rediscovered by a new generation.

His physical journey has ended.

But the music?

The music lives on.

👑 HAIL THE KING.

🕊️ REST IN POWER, FANTAN MOJAH.

🇯🇲❤️💛💚

SVE Music | Reggae & Dancehall News

Jamaica’s music industry continues to receive the recognition it deserves as the island celebrates the extraordinary musicians, singers, producers, engineers, deejays and cultural figures who have helped take reggae and dancehall from Jamaica to the world.

In 2026, that celebration has taken several forms, including the Reggae Gold Awards and the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame, once again highlighting the depth of talent and history behind Jamaica’s most influential musical export.

Honouring the People Behind the Music

Reggae was never built by singers alone.

Behind the biggest recordings are guitarists, bass players, drummers, producers, engineers, songwriters, selectors, broadcasters and studio musicians whose contributions helped create the distinctive Jamaican sound.

The 2026 Reggae Gold honours reflect that reality.

Among this year’s recipients are guitarist Steve Golding, songwriter and producer Mikie Bennett, singer Desmond Young, engineer Delroy “Fatta” Pottinger, singer and producer Tristan Palmer, producer Colin “Bulby” York, deejays Little John, Lone Ranger, Dillinger and Redman, singer Pinchers, and members of The Wailing Souls. Broadcast journalists Elaine Wint and Winston Barnes were also recognised.

The awards were presented as part of Jamaica’s ongoing effort to preserve and celebrate the history of reggae while recognising the people who helped build the genre.

Ken Boothe Enters the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame

One of the major highlights of the 2026 celebrations was the announcement that legendary singer Ken Boothe would be inducted into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame.

Boothe’s career stretches back to the formative years of Jamaican popular music. His distinctive voice and catalogue have made him one of the enduring figures of reggae and rocksteady.

His Hall of Fame recognition is another reminder that Jamaica’s musical history is much bigger than individual hit songs. It is a story of generations of artists who developed a sound that eventually became a global cultural phenomenon.

Earl “Chinna” Smith: A Living Part of Reggae History

Few musicians have been as deeply connected to the development of Jamaican reggae as guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith.

Smith’s career reaches back to the late 1960s, and his playing has appeared on recordings involving some of the most important names in Jamaican music.

His association with Bob Marley & The Wailers is particularly significant. Smith joined the Wailers in the 1970s and contributed guitar and percussion to recordings connected with albums including Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, Survival and Uprising. His wider recording history extends across hundreds of albums and collaborations.

Smith has also been closely associated with the Soul Syndicate and the Inna De Yard movement, helping preserve the organic, roots-oriented side of Jamaican music.

His influence demonstrates why musicians behind the microphone are so important to reggae’s story.

Mr. Vegas: A Dancehall Voice That Reached the World

While the roots of reggae stretch back generations, dancehall became one of Jamaica’s most powerful modern musical exports.

Mr. Vegas has played an important role in that story.

Emerging internationally during the 1990s, he became known for songs including “Heads High”, building a reputation for energetic performances and a distinctive dancehall style.

His career represents another chapter in Jamaica’s musical journey — one in which dancehall moved from Jamaican sound-system culture onto international stages, radio stations and charts.

From reggae’s foundation musicians to dancehall’s modern performers, Jamaica’s musical legacy continues to evolve.

Why Recognition Matters

Awards and Hall of Fame inductions are more than ceremonies.

They provide an opportunity to remind younger generations where the music came from and who helped build it.

Reggae and dancehall have influenced music around the world, from hip-hop and R&B to Afrobeats, electronic music and contemporary pop.

Yet many of the musicians responsible for creating Jamaica’s sound worked away from the spotlight.

That is why initiatives such as the Reggae Gold Awards are important. The 2026 programme specifically recognised the collaborative nature of reggae and celebrated contributions across musicianship, songwriting, production, engineering, broadcasting and deejaying.

Jamaica’s Musical Legacy Is Still Growing

The story of Jamaican music is not finished.

Every generation adds something new — while continuing to draw from the foundations established by those who came before.

From the pioneers of rocksteady and roots reggae to the innovators of dancehall, Jamaica’s artists have repeatedly demonstrated that a small island can have an enormous cultural impact.

The 2026 celebrations are therefore about more than looking backwards.

They are about recognising the past, celebrating the present and making sure the history of Jamaican music remains alive for the future.

SVE Music Salutes the Legends

At SVE Music, we believe the people who built reggae and dancehall deserve to be remembered, discussed and celebrated.

From the musicians behind the riddims to the voices that carried Jamaican music around the world, their contribution is part of the foundation on which today’s artists continue to build.

The music lives on.
The culture lives on.
The legacy lives on.

🇯🇲 Respect the pioneers. Celebrate the legends. Support the music.

SVE Music
Follow us: @StarrVybzEnt
www.svemusic.com

Written by SVE Music

When the gates closed on Reggae Land 2026, one thing was clear—this wasn’t just another music festival. It was a celebration of reggae, dancehall and Caribbean culture on a scale never seen before in the UK.

With record-breaking ticket sales, an expanded three-day format and a world-class line up, Reggae Land delivered one of the biggest reggae events in Europe.

🎟️ Record-Breaking Demand

Reggae Land sold out in record time, showing just how much demand there is for reggae and dancehall music. Fans travelled from across the UK, Europe and beyond to experience a weekend packed with legendary performances and unforgettable moments.

Everywhere you looked there were Jamaican flags waving, people dancing with complete strangers and thousands singing along to timeless classics. It was impossible not to feel part of one big family.

🔥 A Lineup Worth the Hype

The festival delivered hit after hit with performances from some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall, including: Vybz Kartel, Burna Boy, Shenseea, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Tarrus Riley, Super Cat & Barrington Levy

Alongside more than 120 artists across seven stages, fans enjoyed everything from roots reggae and lovers rock to dancehall, dub and Afrobeats.

🎤 Live Performances That Lit Up the Festival

The performances were what made Reggae Land truly unforgettable.

Vybz Kartel received one of the loudest welcomes of the weekend. Thousands of fans erupted as he performed many of the songs that have shaped modern dancehall, with every lyric echoed back by the crowd. It was a powerful moment for UK fans who had waited years to experience him live again.

Burna Boy brought international superstar energy, blending Afrobeats, reggae and dancehall into a spectacular show filled with stunning visuals, live musicians and infectious rhythms that had the entire arena moving.

Shenseea captivated the audience with her confidence, charisma and hit-packed performance, effortlessly switching between smooth vocals and energetic dancehall anthems.

Beenie Man, proving once again why he’s known as the “King of the Dancehall,” delivered a masterclass in crowd control. His humour, stage presence and endless catalogue of classics had fans dancing from start to finish.

Shaggy turned the festival into one giant singalong as thousands joined in with every chorus. His live band, charisma and timeless hits reminded everyone why he remains one of reggae’s biggest global ambassadors.

Tarrus Riley slowed the pace with a soulful set full of passion and powerful vocals, while Barrington Levy transported fans back through reggae history with classic anthems that sounded as fresh as ever.

The appearance of dancehall pioneer Super Cat was another major highlight, giving fans the rare opportunity to witness one of the genre’s true legends performing live.

🌍 More Than Just Music

Reggae Land continues to grow because it represents more than concerts.

It’s about:

Jamaican culture

Unity

Good vibes

Family

Food

Sound system culture

Caribbean heritage

Celebrating reggae’s worldwide influence

Beyond the stages, festival-goers enjoyed authentic Caribbean cuisine, vibrant market stalls, colourful fashion and the unmistakable atmosphere that only reggae can create.

👍 What Fans Loved

Festival-goers praised:

Outstanding live performances across every stage.

Positive, welcoming energy throughout the weekend.

High-quality sound, lighting and production.

A diverse programme of reggae, dancehall, dub and Afrobeats.

The chance to see legendary artists performing together in one place.

Like any sold-out event, there were some reports of long queues and higher food and drink prices. However, these minor issues did little to overshadow what was, for most attendees, an unforgettable weekend.

🇯🇲 One Love. One People. One Vibe.

Reggae Land 2026 wasn’t just a festival—it was a celebration of music, culture and community.

For thousands of fans, it was three days of singing, dancing, reconnecting with old friends and making new memories that will last a lifetime.

If this year’s event is anything to go by, Reggae Land has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier reggae and dancehall festivals.

Shaggy – Full Performance – Reggae Land 2026 – The Milton Keynes National Bowl, UK

Written by Starr Vybz

Tonight, Tarrus Riley returns to London, taking the stage at Electric Brixton alongside Christopher Ellis as part of the Jamaica Independence celebrations.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Tarrus myself, and the photo I’m sharing with this post is a reminder that he’s every bit as genuine off the stage as he is on it. Humble, respectful and passionate about reggae, he represents the culture with real class.

Whether he’s performing roots reggae or lovers rock, Tarrus always delivers with heart, and that’s why he continues to be one of the most respected voices in modern reggae.

If you’re heading to the show tonight, you’re in for something special. Celebrate the music, celebrate the culture, and enjoy one of reggae’s finest live performers.

Respect, Tarrus Riley—and have a great show, London!