The Latin American and Caribbean reggae community is mourning the loss of Mexican singer Jah Fabio, who passed away on Saturday in Tijuana, Mexico. He was 43 years old.
Born Favio Velasco, the beloved artist had long battled kidney disease and had been undergoing dialysis for the past three years. His death came suddenly, just weeks before he was scheduled to perform at Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica—an event he had long dreamed of gracing.
Jah Fabio had been in Tijuana for a three-day wedding celebration, where he performed on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday morning, he began vomiting at his hotel and was rushed to a clinic by his wife. He was pronounced dead on arrival, with cardiac arrest listed as the cause.
A committed ambassador of reggae music in Latin America, Jah Fabio spent more than two decades promoting Jamaican culture across the Spanish-speaking world. His authentic embrace of reggae earned him admiration far beyond Mexico’s borders.
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, expressed her condolences in a heartfelt social media tribute:
“He loved and embraced reggae music with a passion. He was a committed soldier to the cause. We will miss him at Reggae Sumfest. I know that his close colleagues and the music fraternity in Mexico are [as] deeply saddened as we are at his transition. My brother, rest well in the arms of Jah, who I know gave you the strength to keep going in spite of the challenges you faced.”
Jah Fabio had previously performed in Jamaica, most notably at Emancipation Park, where Minister Grange saw him live and praised his “stellar performance.”
Organizers of Reggae Sumfest also paid tribute, noting that Jah Fabio’s “energy, message, and unwavering love for reggae music touched hearts across the globe.”
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Favio Velasco’s passing marks the end of a passionate career rooted in cross-cultural love and musical devotion. His legacy continues to inspire reggae fans throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
