Entertainer Tanya Stephens is mourning the loss of Leander ‘Lani’ Topp, also known as Pionear.

Topp was an East German music producer, founder of Germaica Records, and the mastermind behind the German Ska and Reggae band Messer Banzani.

Stephens shared the sad news via social media, posting a voice note from Topp that ended with him saying, ‘I’m on-board Tanya, we’re in this together, we’ll talk later.’

The It’s a Pity hit maker expressed grief, writing, ‘we won’t talk later’, adding, ‘one more person reduced to a bunch of heartbreaking voice notes, texts, happy memories, that make me sad.” She described Topp as her producer, co-creator, her calm when she explodes, her sounding board and her friend.

Reacting to Stephen’s post musician Bay-C of TOK also expressed grief, he revealed that he had spoken to the East German-based producer just two months prior, and that they were working on re-releasing the TOK track “Shining Star,” which Pionear produced.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Germaica Records said Topp died on June 17, 2025, it said he was a defining force in the German if not European reggae, ska, and dancehall scene, having moved and inspired generations as a true visionary, friend, companion, father, son, grandson and role model for countless musicians.

Topp’s music career was marked by significant milestones. Introduced to the Kingston Reggae scene by mentor Dean Fraser, he worked with King Jammy, releasing his debut Riddim “Final Judgement” on the legendary King Jammy’s Label in 1998.

After living in Jamaica between 1998 and 2000, Topp returned to Germany and founded, Germaica Digital. His international breakthrough came in 2002 with Tanya Stephens’ smash hit, It’s a Pity on the Doctor’s Darling Riddim.