The reggae fraternity is mourning the untimely passing of Jamaican/Canadian singer and producer Lazah Current, also known as Hal Duggan. Duggan passed away at home in Jamaica on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, where he had returned to pursue his solo career and reconnect fully with his roots.
A former member of the Messenjah, a Juno Award-winning Canadian reggae band, Lazah Current migrated to Toronto in 1975, where he immersed himself in music.
But long before the stages of Toronto and Kingston, there was a schoolyard friendship that would endure a lifetime.
“We grew up together,” said George Vassell O’Gilvie, a childhood friend and collaborator, recalling that their bond began when they were youngsters in primary school.
“Hal Duggan, aka ‘Lazah Current,’ and I went to infant (pre-school), primary, and high school together,” O’Gilvie shared. “I migrated to Montreal, and Lazah went to Toronto. Lazah always loved music and track and field.”
Their rivalry on the track became the stuff of fond memories.
“We competed in track and field in primary and high school, but I was always faster than him,” O’Gilvie laughed. “However, when it comes to singing, his voice was special.”
That voice would later help power Messenjah to multiple Juno Awards and international acclaim.
After several albums, the band eventually dissolved, and Lazah stepped confidently into a solo career.
Years later, Lazah reconnected with his old schoolmate with fresh ideas and renewed vision.
“Lazah contacted me several years ago and shared some creative ideas, including working on an album together,” O’Gilvie said.
That collaboration produced Betta Tomorrow in 2011 — one of Lazah’s most celebrated solo projects. The album emerged from a partnership between O’Gilvie’s production group DJT, which included Antoinette Clarke, Douglas Clarke and Courtney Wynter, and Poughkeepsie-based Sunlight Production, headed by Percy Miller and Delroy Graham. The project was produced by Gorilla Production, with DJT serving as executive producer.
“This was one of his strongest albums,” O’Gilvie emphasized.
Music videos for “Hey Girl” and “Lately” were shot in Poughkeepsie, while the title track “Betta Tomorrow” was filmed in Kingston, symbolically bridging his North American and Caribbean worlds.
In recent years, Lazah remained steadfast in his commitment to roots reggae, even as musical trends shifted.
“Lazah Current is a real roots man,” O’Gilvie said. “His lyrics remained positive and uplifting even when the noise became unbearable. He stayed focused on singing roots music.”
One of his latest songs, “AI,” showcased that forward-thinking consciousness.
“It’s a master class,” O’Gilvie explained. “He talked about how technology has woven itself into our daily lives and can sometimes feel insurmountable. Lazah was among the first reggae artists to speak about the ‘AI’ phenomenon taking over our daily activities.”
Ironically, just days before his passing, plans were being finalized for him to discuss that very single.
“I spoke to Lazah Current on February 26 to arrange an interview with Anthony ‘Guru’ Turner from Caribbean National Weekly to discuss his new hit ‘AI’ and Reggae Revolution,” O’Gilvie revealed. “Unfortunately, it did not proceed due to his untimely passing.”
Beyond music, Lazah was deeply committed to community upliftment. He supported O’Gilvie’s philanthropic initiatives, including Friends of Porus and Give Back Jamaica.
In 2024, he performed at the Porus Community Center Homecoming event alongside Bounty Killer, Loyal Flames, Chronic Law and Exco Levi. The event, hosted by radio personalities Don P and Mas Ras, is spearheaded annually by community businessman Karam Peruad and assists families with back-to-school supplies.
For O’Gilvie, Lazah’s legacy transcends recordings and accolades.
“I want to take this opportunity to say to all Lazah Current fans, keep hope alive. Good over evil. His music and lyrics will live on forever,” he said. “To Lazah’s family, thank you for sharing this visionary and lyrical genius with us. As Lazah would always say, keep on ‘Zapppping.’ May the good Lord our Savior, Yeshua Christ, be with him and always in paradise. Rastafari levity.”
