Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar has been hailed as the heartbeat of reggae.

The funeral service for the 73 year old veteran drummer, who died on January 26, was held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, in Kingston, today.

Scores of people from the music fraternity, government officials as well as relatives and loved ones were in attendance.

The service began with a creative celebration.

Poets, artistes and musicians, including Luciano, Tarrus Riley, Nadine Sutherland and Dean Fraser offered tributes.

In delivering the remembrance, culture and entertainment minister Olivia Grange said Sly, who performed as a duo with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, played for the people and was loved.

And, Opposition Leader Mark Golding described Sly as a pioneer of reggae.