Family, friends, media practitioners, politicians, and industry players bid their final farewell to music producer and radio personality Arif Cooper during a Thanksgiving service at the Webster Memorial United Church in Kingston today (March 24).

Entertainment Minister Olivia Babsy Grange fondly remembered Cooper as a son of an icon who made his own mark and recalled several of his awards over the years, pointing out that he also copped the IRIE FM Music Award for Riddim of the year for Guardian Angel in 2007.

Yush’s Scott Dunn, who is his cousin, struggled to hold back tears as he went down memory lane saying he couldn’t recall his life without Arif. He also joked that when they went out on many occasions and had an arrangement that he would pick up Arif and he would constantly remind him of the pickup time, once he reached Arif’s home, Arif would inform him that he was just going into the shower.

Cooper’s famous dad Ibo formerly of Third World, briefly took to the podium to thank the funeral home, Tranquillity for their stellar service.

Hailed as a pioneer and trailblazer in the music industry; Arif Cooper who was affectionately called Super Cooper was greatly admired by his colleagues in the media, and music industry.

He has played an instrumental part in the careers of several dancehall acts, including Vybz Kartel, Konshens, Baby Cham, Alaine, Demarco, and Aidonia, and is behind many popular rhythms such as Guardian Angel, New Money, and Happy Step, and has contributed immensely to Jamaica’s music and culture.

Arif Cooper, the son of famous musician and music teacher Ibo Cooper, has been DJing since 1991 and was one of Jamaica’s most loved selectors at home and abroad.

He founded the Fresh Ear Production House in 1997, and in 1998, he joined FAME FM and was a part of the entity until his passing.

Arif Cooper died on March 5, after collapsing at Recall Throwback Edition held at the Police Officers’ Club on Hope Road.