Contributed by Rashona Fitz-Henley

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange are hailing the late Reggae artiste Leroy Gibbons for his tremendous impact on the music.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Holness said “his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics made him a standout talent, and his contribution to reggae music remains invaluable. Leroy’s passing is a great loss to our cultural landscape, but his music will continue to live on, reminding us of the beauty, soul, and emotion that reggae brings to the world”.

The Prime Minister added that “on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend my deepest sympathies. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

 Meanwhile, Minister Grange expressed satisfaction that she was able to see him perform at Rebel Salute 2025 describing his performance as “electrifying and captivating.”

Minister Grange also noted that “Gregory Park, Portmore, gave us Leroy Gibbons, who caught our attention in the mid-1980’s after starting out as a solo singer and moving on to become the lead singer of a Gospel group, the Gospel Proclaimers.” She added “indeed, his last major performance in Jamaica was at the gospel event, ‘Arise 2025’.”

She highlighted his covers ‘Magic Moment’, ‘Cupid’ and ‘Stir It Up’ as timeless classics.

Pledging to support the bereaved family, she extended condolences to his friends and associates to the music fraternity; adding that his “music found a permanent place in our hearts.”

Gibbons collapsed in Hanover on Tuesday. He was 74 years old.