The Bunny Wailer Estate has been cleared by the Supreme Court of Jamaica to initiate the process of administration following a three year legal battle after the passing of Neville O’Riley ‘Bunny’ Livingston on March 2, 2021. On June 28, the court ruled in favor of Bunny Wailer’s 13 children being recognized as the only beneficiaries of the estate.
The judge recognized Wailer’s eldest son, entertainer, producer and communications specialist, Abijah Asadenaki Livingston aka Naki Wailer, as the estate’s authorized representative. “We give thanks to the Most High Jah as we remain focused on the estate’s restoration, reproduction of our father’s vast catalogue, and the revamping of our father’s record label, Solomonic Productions Limited established 1981,” Abijah” said in a press release.
Bunny Wailer, was a singer-songwriter and percussionist. He was an original member of reggae group The Wailers along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. A three-time Grammy Award winner, he is considered one of the longtime standard-bearers of reggae music
Bunny Wailer, through his Solomonic label, produced a plethora of reggae stalwarts including Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, Patra, Queen Ifrica and Ruffian to name a few. Solomonic Productions Ltd is internationally acclaimed as the copyright holders for international dance hit Electric Boogie, written and produced by Bunny Wailer, which inspired the creation of the Electric Slide by American choreographer, musician, and Broadway performer Richard L. ‘Ric’ Silver in 1976.
“The label, in the past, has secured collaborations with major brands, including Warner Bros, Corona, Cardi B, Paramount Pen”, and JEEP and is now pleased to announce our latest collaboration with Amazon,” the release stated further.
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Abijah, having a longstanding career in the Caribbean multi-media industry, is invested in developing content, products and experiences synonymous with Bunny Wailer’s brand image collaboratively with his siblings. This is evident in the continued production of Rootsman Skankin’, an annual event celebrating Bunny Wailer’s birthday, life and legacy.
“We are just giving thanks and representing the original Don Dada to the best of our ability, as our best is what his prestigious brand deserves. We are excited to continue collaborations with the Tosh and Marley estates respectively,” Abijah shared.
Abijah concluded “We the family remain focused on the preservation and promotion of our father’s iconic legacy, while continuing the never-ending search for our beloved stepmother Sis Jean Watt … it’s what Don Dada would want.”
The estate is guided through the administration process by law firm Nunes Scholefied, Deleon and Co.
