Jamaican government officials and Reggae musicians have paid tribute to musician Michael “Ibo” Cooper, one of the founding members of the Third World band, who died on Thursday.
According to reports, the 71-year-old musician had been ailing for some time. He died at his home in Jamaica.
Among those who paid tribute to the musician and educator included Jamaica’s Minister of Entertainment, Culture, Gender, and Sports Olivia “Babsy” Grange who expressed condolences to his children Arianne, Akiri, and Abean.
“Ibo was a strong and constant voice for the music industry and an exemplary music teacher,” she wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
“Generations of Jamaican musicians have been shaped by him, and our industry is better for having had him. I also benefitted from his advice as a member of the Entertainment Advisory Board (EAB). May his soul rest in perpetual peace,” she added.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness also paid tribute, saying that “Ibo was a true cultural Ambassador, taking reggae music and brand Jamaica to the farthest corners of the world. His music of love, upliftment, and peace reflected the essence of reggae music.”
Holness added that Cooper “was part of the era which represented the epitome of true reggae music of love, unity, and peace. … Ibo has left a legacy of excellence buttressed by his talent, endearing personality and & for his family, music, and country.”
VP Records pays tribute
VP Records also paid tribute to the musician, with a statement that read “the acclaimed keyboardist, songwriter, and vocalist dedicated his life to music. Over decades, he wielded an untold influence both on his fellow Jamaicans and the international reggae community.
“From the studio to the stage, Ibo’s unique blend of reggae, jazz, funk, and other genres resonated with listeners worldwide. The lyrics within his songs were equally substantial, carrying messages of truth, unity, and the struggles and triumphs of life.
Near the turn of the century, after over two decades of recording, touring, and performing, he embraced a different approach to guide the next generation: Working as a teacher at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston. Through his work there, he profoundly influenced and honed the creative ambitions and skills of countless students.”
Christopher Chin, CEO of VP Records, said, “With Ibo’s passing, we’ve lost a gifted pioneer of the music and a good friend.”
Music legacy
Cooper’s death comes months after his son, famed Jamaican disc jockey Arif Cooper died suddenly in March.
Read: Popular Jamaican DJ Arif Cooper has died
His wife Joy also passed away last month.
Cooper was a member of the Reggae band Inner Circle and a founding member of the Reggae band Third World.
Third World was originally formed in 1973 by Cooper, a keyboardist, and guitarist/cellist Steven “Cat” Coore. Cooper left the band in 1997.
Via Instagram, Coore wrote, “The soundtrack of your life will live on my brother. Fly away home to Joy, Afrif, and all your musical family”.
Also sending condolences were Jamaican musicians Gramps Morgan, Wayne Marshall, Jesse Royal, and Chino McGregor, among others.
Cooper served as head of the Caribbean, Latin American, and Jazz department, now called Popular Music Studies, at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston. He was also chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA).
In 2005, he alongside his former bandmate Coore received the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Officer (OD), for their contribution to Jamaican music.
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