The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, is expressing condolences following the passing of Reggae veteran Max Romeo.

In a press release, Minister Grange described Romeo as “a legendary singer and songwriter” and “one of the pioneers of Jamaican music.” She added, “His music not only provided entertainment, but much of it addressed social issues such as poverty, inequality, and justice.”

Maxwell Livingston Smith, better known as Max Romeo, passed away in hospital on Friday, April 11, after being admitted the day before.

He was 80 years old.

Max Romeo was best known for hit songs such as War Inna Babylon, Let the Power Fall, and Revelation Time.