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Sly Dunbar - Rest In Power (May 10, 1952 - January 26, 2026)

01/26/2026

Sly Dunbar - Rest In Power (May 10, 1952 - January 26, 2026)

Sly Dunbar, Reggae's most legendary drummer has died aged 73. His wife confirmed to the Jamaica Gleaner that he passed away at home this morning.

TRIBUTES
SHAGGY
"Today we lost a giant. Sly was major part of the fabric of our musical culture. I’ve had the privilege of creating with this genius on many occasions, including my album “Out Of Many One Music” with his musical brother Robbie Shakespeare… Sly was an innovative musician and a wonderful person .. he will be missed, but atleast he left us with some amazing Gems. Thank you Sly Dunbar , walk good mi bredda untill we meet again. Condolences to the entire family."

DAVID RODIGAN
"The world of Reggae has lost one of its true icons, Sly Dunbar (of Sly & Robbie) one of the greatest drummers of all time who played on literally thousands and thousands of recordings has passed away. Such a tragic loss for he was dearly loved.  He produced and contributed to records across reggae, rock and pop, with the likes of Bob Dylan, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Grace Jones, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Sting and so, so many more.
One of the greatest. RIP."

TAKANA ZION
"One of the greatest drummers in Jamaican history to say the least, Lowell Fillmore aka SLY DUNBAR has passed away. He was the drummer on the award winning album Rasta Government which was recorded and mixed in Jamaica at Harry J Studio! RISES IN ZION LEGEND"

ALI CAMPBELL (UB40)
"Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am to hear of the passing of my friend and legend, Sly Dunbar. Working with Sly (and Robbie) on countless projects over the years, we have truly lost an originator all round wonderful soul only recently we were discussing new ideas which would have been phenomenal. Modern day beats simply wouldn’t be what they are without the influence of reggae and dancehall riddims that Sly singlehandedly pioneered. Walk good, Sly, Raise one with Robbie. You will be truly, truly missed Big love, brother Ali" 

PATRA
"This keeps on happening. Very sad to know that my friend has passed away. One of Jamaica's greatest musicians along with his brother Robbie.. Was very happy to have them onboard for my remake of Pull Up To My Bumper ( originally done by Grace Jones and produced by this same duo).. RIP my friend."

JOHN MASOURI
"It's hard to imagine a world without the great Sly Dunbar, who was a friend and confidante for almost forty years. Despite all his fame, Sly remained humble, honest and giving to the very end. I shall miss him more than I can say, and send love and prayers to his wife Thelma and daughter, as well as his many other friends from around the world."

JESSE ROYAL
"Rest in Power King! So Much gratitude for all the time, energy and lessons! Still a Xterminate dem!"

IN THE PRESS

TAKE ME PLACES #2 (2022) with SLY DUNBAR
He is the most recorded Reggae drummer and has shaped the music with his talent, diligence and dedication. But how did Sly Dunbar create his unique style of drumming in the first place? How did he grow up, how did music enter his life and what was his mother's reaction when he decided to make music professionally as a teenager? Learn about Sly Dunbar's life, his journey from Waterhouse to the world's studios and stages, and about his closest companion Robbie Shakespeare in the brand new episode of Take Me Places. Invited to his One Pop Studio on Red Hills Road in Kingston, Reggaeville host Munchy takes the audience to Sly's musical home and on a virtual ride through his personal story and Reggae history. WATCH IT HERE:


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