Sound system pioneer Jah Shaka has died
Jah Shaka has unfortunately passed away according to confirmations from his management and fellow artist friends.
The sound system pioneer was born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica before moving to South East London in the '50s. He was the leader of the Jah Shaka Sound System and started off as an operator before working his way into the music production space. He even started his own record label called Jah Shaka Music.
In 1992, he would go on to found the Jah Shaka Foundation, which would provide support to schools and hospitals in Ethiopia, Ghana, and back home in Jamaica. His musical talent and philanthropic work made him highly revered both in Jamaica and here in London. Here's how his fans reacted to the tragic news of his death.
It’s a sad day today, as we say farewell to my friend Knocky, the Zulu warrior, Jah Shaka. Shaka played a huge part in the establishing of AriwA
— Mad Professor (@MadProfessordub) April 12, 2023
In the very early days he would book the studio weekly, and shared building in Peckham, with Jah Shaka Music operating from the HQ pic.twitter.com/b7GOQRYV1A
RIP, Jah Shaka, Zulu Warrior, & king of Jamaican reggae & dub sound systems who died today. His roots reggae sound livened up many parties & events across the UK, from the 1970s. Until seeing this picture earlier, I hadn't realized he was a champion of migrants rights too. ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/JkcU18Q9RW
— Jacqueline (Jacqui) Mckenzie (@JacquiMckenzie6) April 12, 2023
The king of Kings has left us . The greatest soundman that ever lived 💔 #jahshaka #kingofkings pic.twitter.com/R5xH0qOdU1
— Jumpin Jack Frost (@djjjfrost) April 12, 2023
The legend who is Jah Shaka has died.
— Lorraine King (@lorrainemking) April 12, 2023
This is such sad news.
May he sleep peacefully ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Jc7CecTPTh
