Mikhail ‘Wayne’ Thompson, a 36-year-old Jamaican-born Canadian dancehall promoter, was tragically gunned down in a gangland-style execution last Friday. The incident took place in the parking lot of a rented Airbnb apartment on Marley Road in St Andrew, Jamaica. Thompson had arrived just two days earlier to attend entertainment events organized by fellow promoters and friends during the festive season.
The brutal killing has sent shockwaves through both the Jamaican and Canadian entertainment communities, with widespread reactions on social media. Thompson’s death has raised concerns about safety within the entertainment industry, and many are calling for increased efforts to address violence and crime.
Video footage of the murder has been making the rounds on social media. In the footage, Thompson is seen conversing with a man after opening the security gate to allow the man access.
After a brief conversation, during which he appeared to give the man a hat, the man opened fire on him, shooting him several times. The man appeared to run off, but then turned back and crouched as he delivered a final coup de grâce to the wounded Thompson.
Mikhail ‘Wayne’ Thompson was remembered by his peers as a “non-confrontational” and “humble” individual, known for his deep passion for the dancehall culture. Many described him as someone who was genuinely enamored with the music and the lifestyle it represented. According to those who knew him, Thompson was well-connected in the industry, and no one had a bad word to say about him.
Thompson was a prominent event organizer, known for hosting popular events such as Big Breeze and King of the Dancehall. It was reported that he executed between eight to ten events annually in Toronto, where he made a significant impact on the local dancehall scene.
He leaves behind his son, daughter, and an unborn child. His untimely death has left a deep void in the dancehall community and has sparked an outpouring of tributes in his memory.
