Kenneth Roxborough, a Jamaican singer and musician best known for his work with roots-reggae group Wadada, died in Chicago on January 5. He was 78.
Roxborough’s wife of 18 years, Mirta, told the Jamaica Observer that he succumbed to “various illnesses,” but remained devoted to his music until the end. “He never stopped playing his guitar; he loved music,” she said.
Born in Haldane, Westmoreland, Roxborough attended Mersville Primary and Frome Secondary before joining the African Children group in 1976. In the mid-1980s, he became a member of Wadada, replacing original member Vaughan Khouri, who had migrated. He performed with the group at Reggae Sunsplash in 1979 and recorded the album Take A Stand. Wadada also collaborated with producers Bunny Wailer and Freddie McGregor.
Roxborough is the second original member of Wadada to die in 17 months, following the passing of Franklin Thompson in August 2024 at age 72. The trio, which formed in Trench Town in 1978 with Denzil Williams on lead vocals, was known for its harmony-driven sound reminiscent of other iconic Trench Town groups such as The Wailers and The Wailing Souls.
After moving to the United States, Roxborough continued his music career, releasing songs including Discrimination. Mirta, who is Cuban, said they met in Miami in 2005, shortly after Roxborough returned from Ethiopia, where Wadada had worked with the Marley family on the Africa Unite concert.
Roxborough is survived by his widow, two sons, seven grandchildren, brothers, and sisters. Outside of music, he also worked as an upholsterer.
