Grammy-winning producer and legendary drummer Sly Dunbar, one half of the iconic Jamaican duo Sly and Robbie, has died at the age of 73.

The renowned drummer and co-founder of the revolutionary Taxi Records label passed away at home this morning. Sly had been ailing for some time and was receiving medical care both locally and overseas.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the music industry. Among those honouring his legacy are Bounty Killer, Jesse Royal, VP Records, Tarrus Riley, and Rory, formerly of Stone Love.

Bounty Killer highlighted and thanked Sly Dunbar for his immense contribution to his career and to the music industry, citing Hey Baby, his collaboration with No Doubt, as one of the most successful recordings of his career.

Jesse Royal wrote in part, “When you talk about columns, you talk about Sly,” expressing gratitude for the time, energy, and lessons shared throughout their journey.

Rory, formerly of Stone Love, described the news as a sad day for Jamaican music.

IRIE FM’s DJ Smurf remembers Sly as a kind-hearted soul.

Sly Dunbar distinguished himself as one half of the iconic duo Sly and Robbie, widely known as the Riddim Twins, who revolutionised reggae and dancehall music. His musical partner, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, died on December 8, 2021, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 68.

In 1980, Sly and Robbie formed Taxi Records, a label that would become as legendary as the duo themselves. The imprint released music from several internationally successful artistes, including Black Uhuru, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Ini Kamoze, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon.

Sly Dunbar’s credits in the music industry are long and illustrious. His work spans three albums with Grace Jones, as well as collaborations with Sinead O’Connor, Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones.

Together, Sly and Robbie’s musical contributions helped shape global popular music for decades.

Throughout his career, Sly Dunbar received numerous honours.

A 13-time Grammy nominee, he won two Grammy Awards, including the 1985 Grammy for Best Reggae Recording for Black Uhuru’s Anthem, which he co-produced with Robbie Shakespeare, and the 1999 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for Friends by Sly and Robbie.

Sly Dunbar was also recognised by the Jamaican Government with the Order of Distinction, awarded the Musgrave Gold Medal by the Institute of Jamaica in 2015, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota in May 2025.

Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar was born in May 1952 and leaves behind an unmatched legacy as one of the most influential musicians in Jamaican music history.